HUNDREDS of Tony Christie fans rose to their feet in Bolton on Thursday night to sing the 1970s crooner's most famous song.

Tony, in town as part of a 31-night British tour, left the best until last, belting out (Is This The Way To) Amarillo? as part of his encore.

His devotees packed into the Albert Halls for a trip down Memory Lane.

The song, the undoubted highlight of the evening, is currently top of the charts - with a little help from Bolton comedian Peter Kay.

Tony said that it was thanks to Peter that the song was Number One and added: "We have had some great nights on this tour but this has been the best."

He told the audience: "You have really made my night tonight, it's really thrilling to be back in Bolton."

Two Breightmet sisters were equally thrilled to see Tony after picking up the first two tickets to be sold.

Amanda Cronin, aged 44, of Sommerton Road, Breightmet, bought her big sister the tickets as a Christmas present.

"I remember she used to go watching him when I was young," said Amanda, who ordered the tickets as soon as they went on sale.

She added: "I rang up and the woman told me I had got the first tickets, so I got us on the front row."

Marina Swindles, Amanda's big sister, aged 51, said: "I went all over the country to see him. I used to follow him everywhere and I'm thrilled to bits to be watching him again."

Tony's current hit was released for Comic Relief Red Nose Day and the video starred and was directed by Peter Kay.

The singer's new album, The Definitive Collection, is also at the top of the UK album charts.

Tony, aged 61, is no stranger to Bolton, having helped to switch on the town's Christmas lights last year.

One of his biggest fans is Peter Kay's mother, who used to play Amarillo to get him to sleep.

The Bolton show sold out two months ago and there was a waiting list of more than 100 names for Thursday's event.

Among the other classic songs Tony performed with his 12-piece band were Avenues and Alleyways, My Way and Hey Jude.

He also sang a duet with former Fame Academy star Carolynne Good, who is supporting him on the tour.