SCORES of music-lovers have been clamouring for tickets for Elton John's concert in Worcester, but one of his biggest fans is particularly looking forward to the event.

Thirty-five-year-old Steven Bishop, of Rainbow Hill, Worcester, has been a fan of the Rocket Man for nearly 20 years - and this year began touring the region with a tribute act to his idol.

The former security firm employee-turned-musician has already snapped up his ticket for the big day when Sir Elton plays New Road cricket ground on Sunday, June 11.

He said: "I really can't wait - it's amazing he's playing there because for Worcester to have someone like that, it's going to generate quite a lot of income for the city.

"For someone who writes his own music, as well as composes it, I think he's brilliant.

"You don't really hear of people like him playing Worcester," he said

Mr Bishop - who rates his favourite Elton tune as Your Song - became interested in

the Rocket Man's music because of his piano-playing and has seen him live seven times. He owns about 30 of his albums on vinyl and about 200 Elton CDs, as well as a vast array of concert programmes, videos, DVDs, badges, hats, and T-shirts, among other memorabilia.

In 2000, he visited Elton's Windsor home and got a painting of him signed by the man himself, returning three years later to have a book signed.

Now he is hoping his tribute show, with which he is currently touring local pubs and clubs, takes off as well as the Rocket Man's.

He said "So far, it's been going well - people say I sound like him. Obviously, with the Elton thing you have to put on a bit of an act.

"I'm definitely enjoying it though and people who see me say they can tell I really like Elton John."

Meanwhile, concert promoters Marshall Arts have said they are still working on the support act for Elton's Worcester gig, for which in excess of 14,000 tickets have been sold.

The venue has had to lay on extra hospitality following the huge response to the conert.

Ben Martin, of Marshall Arts, said: "There does seem to be a common misconception it's sold out, but it hasn't yet."

Tickets priced £40 and £60 are available on 0871 230 5442, 0870 4445556 or 0870 1012123. Hospitality packages are also available on 01905 337933.