SIR Cliff Richard was welcomed to a Derby supermarket by hundreds of screaming fans – and stayed until he had met just about every single one.

The bachelor boy arrived at Asda, in Spondon, just before 5pm yesterday to sign copies of his new book, My Life, My Way.

And he stayed half-an-hour longer than scheduled to ensure he signed every one of the 850 copies sold at the store.

Many of the fans had queued for more than five hours to meet their idol and many others had travelled across the country.

Linda Modler, 35, left her home in London at 6.20am to make it to Derby in plenty of time for the signing.

As she waited to see Sir Cliff, she said: "I was in the queue from around 10am and I have to drive back to London because I am working tomorrow. But it is all worth it. I'm a huge fan and have been for 20 years."

Joan McAdam, 68, of Penzance Road, Alvaston, had queued since lunchtime.

She said: "The atmosphere was brilliant. I was talking to a couple from South Wales who drove up this morning and everyone has got on really well. There has been a bit of singing of Cliff songs as well, which was great.

"Asda did a great job organising this."

Julie Hensley, 51, of Chapel Lane, Clifton, Ashbourne, said: "I think he looks absolutely brilliant for his age and he's such a dish."

And Diane Clarke, 60, of Cedar Close, Ashbourne, said: "I got a Cliff gold disc for my birthday but this is even better. I've been here since 7.30am and it was definitely worth the wait."

When asked if he was surprised at the number of people who had turned up to see him, Sir Cliff said: "I always get a bit of a scare, you are never quite sure if anybody is going to turn up and I always think it will come to an end."

He said he was touched by the dedication of his fans and added: "They know how I feel, there is really no way to explain how it feels when fans remain so loyal for so long."

And he said another musical hit was a possibility.

"It would be nice to be number one with a record in this decade as I've had number ones in the 50s, 60s, 70s, 80s and 90s," he said.

He also talked about his appearance at the Ripley Regal in 1958 with his band The Drifters, which was the first time he appeared as Cliff Richard, having used his real name Harry Webb previously.

Before leaving Derby, he assured fans they hadn't seen the last of him yet and said: "It's not time to call it a day yet."

Martin Tuckwood, the stores house and leisure manager who organised the event said: "It was fantastic to see the turn-out. It's been a great day."