Pop Idol winner Will Young has congratulated Gareth Gates on his number one success.

Will and Gareth are currently on a tour of the country with the other eight finalists from Pop Idol.

Will called Gareth onto the stage at the NEC in Birmingham in front of 12,500 fans to make a special presentation.

Will congratulates Gareth

Will said: "I have in my hand a very special award from the Guinness Book of Hit Singles with the record for the youngest and biggest selling solo British artist."

Accepting the award Gareth said: "It has always been my dream to have a number one hit and to be living it here, on stage, in front of some of the people who have made it possible, as well as all the other Pop Idol finalists, is an amazing feeling."

News that Gareth had wrestled top spot from the Pop Idol winner came as little surprise to those at tonight's show.

Danni James, 16, of Loughborough Road, Coventry, said: "I thought he would get it and it's really good. I bought Will's single when it came out and then I bought Gareth's."

Hazel and Claire Hopewell, of Gordon Lane, Birmingham, brought with them to the concert a double-sided banner - one side devoted to Will and the other to Gareth.

Hazel said: "I wanted to come last night but we couldn't get in I am really glad we were here tonight so I could see him get the award - that was lovely of Will."

Ó Annanova.com