THE original pop idol -- Sir Cliff Richard -- returned to the North-west last night with a triumphant celebration of more than 40 years of chart-topping hits.

In front of thousands of fans at a packed MEN Arena, the singer gave a performance of pure quality.

There were plenty of tips the young pretenders to Sir Cliff's "Nice Boy of Pop" crown could have learned from his two-and-a-half-hour performance.

The ageless star, who recently celebrated his 62nd birthday, arrived on the stage to the opening notes of We Don't Talk Anymore, dressed in a white suit, black shirt and white tie.

Jumping around the stage, the Peter Pan of Pop looked like an 18-year-old, rather than a man who could soon be drawing his pension.

The crowd, a large chunk of which consisted of 50 to 60-something women, roared with approval at his every move.

The hit songs, including numbers ones from the past four decades, were then unleashed.

As well as playing his own hits, the singer covered many other classics which feature on his Wanted album, including Somewhere Over The Rainbow and Tina Turner's What's Love Got To Do With It?

The second half of the show was given a very rock and roll feel. Sir Cliff paid homage to the American stars of the 1950s who inspired him.

The singer's fans are so fanatical that at the end, about 250 of them stormed the foot of the stage, catching the security staff unawares. After a couple of costume changes, Sir Cliff and his 18-piece band brought the evening to a close with The Millennium Prayer and a speech about peace in the world from the star of the show.

The consensus among fans was that it had been a great night out, although maybe he could have played a few more of his hits in place of some of the rock and roll numbers.

This is Sir Cliff's first major tour in eight years. And make no mistake -- the crowds will be back for more.

Sir Cliff plays a second date at the Arena tonight (Wednesday).

Cliff Richard fans give their verdict

ANN WILSON, aged 50, a sales office supervisor, of Rydal Road, Bolton, said: "I don't go to every single concert but I have seen him live a couple of times.

"I had a really good night. The people at the front were all dancing but I was clapping along at the back. The show was fantastic."

PAT BAKER, aged 49, a receptionist, of Church Street, Bolton, said: "I think he is popular because he was young when we were young.

"Cliff put on a really good show -- it was brilliant. It was lovely when he sang Mistletoe and Wine and lots of twinkly bits fell on to the audience."

KATHLEEN ENTWISTLE, aged 53, of Claydon Drive, Bradley Fold, works in a call centre. She said: "I am a big fan. This is about the third or fourth time I have seen him. I've been a fan since he started.

"The second half was best -- Cliff certainly rocked and rolled. I wish I could go tonight too!"

KATHLEEN FOSTER, aged 49, an administrative assistant, of Elm Grove, Bolton, said: "He is still so popular because of his talent.

"I have seen him three times and this time was better than ever. He played a lot of the older tunes and different versions of his newer songs -- it was brilliant."

ALICE EDWARDS, aged 58, an administration supervisor, of Windsor Drive, Horwich, said: "I think he is lovely and a really nice person. He is still drop dead gorgeous.

"He was outstanding -- he created such a good atmosphere. His voice just seems to get better."

KATH THOMAS, aged 52, of Windsor Drive, Horwich, works in administration. She said: "He has got a lovely voice. His music is suitable for people of any age.

"There was such a good mix of songs and the atmosphere was incredible. Now we are hoping to go to Sheffield to see him."