THOUSANDS of people descended on a nursing home in Prestwich for its biggest event since a visit by the Pope in 1981.

Fans came from as far afield as Portsmouth and Birmingham last weekend when Irish heart-throb Daniel O'Donnell, pictured greeeting fans, made a charity appearance at a garden fete at Nazareth House in Scholes Lane.

The singer agreed to attend after a request from Sister Mary Theressa from the home. It is estimated the event made a staggering £11,000.

Prayers for good weather were answered and more than 2,000 people turned up to hear him sing in the sun.

Irish dancers also kept the crowds entertained while volunteers from St Monica's RC High School and St Bernadette's Parish Social Centre also pitched in to man the barbecue and stalls.

Mrs Marie Brennan, a carer at the home, thanked everybody who helped and said: "Daniel O'Donnell was the main attraction and people came from miles to see him.

"It is the biggest crowd we have had since the Pope came in 1981.

"Everybody left with a smile on their face at the end of the day thanks to the tremendous effort from all involved. The money raised will be used to make improvements and buy new equipment for the residents of the nursing home."

Sister Theressa added: "I have known Daniel since 1987 after I went to see him at a concert when he was just starting out and we have been very good friends since then.

"It has taken about a year-and-a-half to organise this and there was a good atmosphere. He really enjoyed it and it went well."

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