Crowds turn out to meet Mr Tumble

Crowds of youngsters and their families turned out to meet children's TV favourite Justin Fletcher when the star visited Dudley's Merry Hill shopping centre today.

People started to gather more than an hour before the entertainer, better known as Mr Tumble, was due to appear at the centre's Fountain Square.

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And a huge cheer went up from the excited youngsters as Justin took to the stage at 10.30am to sign copies of his new record Hands Up – The Album.

First in line to meet Justin was four year old Zack Cheetham and his mom and dad Tim and Rochelle, from Coppice Rise, Quarry Bank.

Mr Cheetham, a nurse at Russells Hall Hospital, said his son had been very excited to meet his TV hero.

"Rochelle came to get our tickets on Saturday and she was also the one who came to wait early in the queue this morning to get a good spot."

Also in the queue was Carrie Coley, of Crimmon Rise, Halesowen, and daughters Bella, one, and five year old Lucy.

"Lucy has been a big fan of Justin for years. He certainly goes back a long way in our house so it is great she finally got to meet him."

Free tickets were available for people who wanted to see the star with 180 available for the morning session and a further 180 for the afternoon.

Justin said it had been a delight to meet his young fans.

"It is wonderful to be back in Dudley. I first visited around two years ago.

"Meeting my audiences is the biggest buzz for me."

The album which is a collection of children's songs has already achieved a mid week chart position of 25 just days after going on sale.