POP band McFly were greeted by 2,500 fans when they paid a visit to a Derby supermarket.

The group – Tom Fletcher, Danny Jones, Dougie Poynter and Harry Judd – arrived at Asda, in Spondon, yesterday to sign copies of their new album Radio:Active.

They were due to meet the fans between 4pm and 5pm.

But despite staying for an additional hour, the band still only met 1,500 of them – with many fans told from the outset that they would not be able to meet their heroes in person.

About 800 copies of the band's CD were sold during the afternoon, while many chose to bring their own McFly merchandise for signing.

Eager fans had been invited to queue from 1pm but some camped out overnight and others joined them yesterday morning.

Birthday-girl Becky Gidlow, 17, waited two hours with her friends for the chance to meet her idols.

She said: "This was the best thing I have ever done.

"I knew that I needed to come and see them on the day and they all wished me happy birthday. It was amazing."

Parent Alison Greg, 32, took the opportunity to pick up the ideal Christmas present for her 13-year-old daughter, Kelly.

She said: "She absolutely loves McFly. She enjoys their music and loves the films that they've been in.

"It was a fun experience for me as well. They were very nice."

Melissa McEntee, 14, who had travelled from Loughborough, was reduced to tears after meeting the band.

She said: "It was the first time I had met them and it was overwhelming. I think they were a bit surprised to see me cry!"

And James Allsopp, 17, of Littleover, said: "I'll get a few Brownie points for bringing my girlfriend, Becki. I've never met anyone famous before and it was great."

McFly fans in Derby last got a chance to glimpse the band in April 2007, when they performed at the Assembly Rooms – but this was their first signing session in the city.

"It's a really great turn-out, so it's exciting to be here," said lead vocalist Tom.

"But we have been to Derby one or two times on tour and that was really good. The theatre here is awesome. This is a good opportunity for us to meet the fans face-to-face and we hope that they enjoyed it."

The band's visit came a day after former EastEnders star Ross Kemp signed books at the Asda store and just weeks after an appearance by Sir Cliff Richard.

Asda home and leisure manager Martin Tuckwood, who organised the event, said: "Some fans will have been disappointed not to meet the band but, overall, it was a fantastic afternoon. All the customers and staff loved it and I can't thank them enough for their support. Hopefully, we'll have someone else visiting us soon."