They are an army of easy listeners who travel miles to appreciate one of the best voices in the business.

Coachloads came from all over the South and beyond to fill the Brighton Centre on Saturday night.

Ireland's Daniel O'Donnell rewarded his loyal fans with a memorable concert of favourites, generously sprinkled with Christmas songs and carols.

He has reached the ripe age of 40 but he has no plans to change his style.

With 18 albums in the UK pop charts and 19 hit singles over the years, why should he? It works.

There is a great temptation for artists to drop from the programme songs which they have sung a million times but O'Donnell knows what the audience have come to listen to.

This one applauded knowingly at the start of each number and by the end they were, as usual, clamouring for more.

Clearly fit as an Irish fiddle, O'Donnell patrolled the stage, reaching out to every corner of the auditorium, yet the expenditure of energy never left him short of puff or pushed him off key.

He took time out to talk to the fans and to honour requests, including one from a couple celebrating their 65th wedding anniversary.

There were tears when he sang Danny Boy as a tribute for a mother who had recently lost her son of the same name.

O'Donnell paid another tribute during the evening, to two of his roadshow drivers who had to step in at the last minute and work the stage spotlights after a staffing problem.

With Christmas trees lining the stage, O'Donnell gave his faithful fans the best possible start to the festive season.

Review by Joan Mills, features@theargus.co.uk