Crowds go wild for Connie

Police had to calm frantic crowds as they clamoured to get into a special tent to get a glimpse of Britain's Got Talent TV star Connie Talbot.

The Streetly schoolgirl was top of the bill at the Great Bridge Christmas and Winter Festival but provoked such a reaction that police threatened to stop last night's show unless the crowds could be brought under control.

As the seven-year-old's first album, Somewhere Over The Rainbow, went gold yesterday, her delighted mother Sharon revealed the youngster has been approached by Hollywood film producers. "She's been sent a script, I haven't had a good look at it yet but it's really exciting," she said.

"Connie's a singer, not an actress, so we'll see what happens. It's completely up to her whether or not she wants to do it. I can't believe it, though."

She also expressed her surprise at the reaction from the crowd.

"She's never had a welcome like this. I did actually find it a little bit overwhelming when I came in."

Connie, who was making the appearance after a "busy day at school", said: "I love it here, it's brilliant, really fun," and managed to retain her smile as she was ushered off stage by police.

The singing sensation was one of almost 40 performers to appear on the outdoor stage at Great Bridge High Street for the first Christmas festival organised by area's traders and community associations.

Organiser and local businessman Tony Roper said: "I was expecting a crowd but this surpassed all expectations. The police were threatening to close us down."