By Steph Johnson

Last updated at 11:34, Saturday, 13 February 2010

The Daniel O’Donnell fans camped outside the Sands Centre in Carlisle have to be his most hard-core followers, says the singer’s manager.

• Video: Fans tell why they camped out

Four women and two men have been braving the freezing temperatures since Wednesday to make sure they were the first in the queue when tickets went on sale this morning.

Daniel’s manager Sean Reilly is astounded by their devotion.

Sean told the News & Star: “I’ve spoken to Daniel and he’s humbled by it. He can’t believe that people would stay out there in the cold like that for tickets to see him.

“It’s amazing – they are such loyal fans. Daniel’s fans do camp out for tickets but it’s usually in the summer. I’ve never heard of anything like this before.

“Daniel is looking forward to the concert. He’s spent holidays in Carlisle, has family living in the area and always gets a good reception.”

One of the women in the queue was Liz Bamber, 61, of the Raffles in Carlisle.

She was joined by husband Alan and her friend Christine Williamson, of Gretna.

Liz and Christine make about three trips a year to see Daniel, costing about £150 a time.

To them, camping out is all part of the experience.

Liz, who has been following Daniel for 17 years, said: “He’s a great entertainer and worth every penny. This is our holidays. ”

Christine, 52, a fan of 20 years, added: “He’s just a lovely, genuine man who cares about people.”

Also in the queue were Pat and Jack Thompson, of Eastriggs and their daughter Donna.

Daniel will start his two-night stint in Carlisle on May 8. Jonathan Higgins, events manager at the Sands, said: “Daniel’s popularity is a phenomenon and we are really pleased to have him back. When the first fans started queuing on Wednesday it was minus 3C. Now that’s what I call dedication!”

Tickets for Daniel’s show go on show at the Sands today.

First published at 09:02, Saturday, 13 February 2010
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk