Pop Idol star Will Young celebrated his second week at number one - by dropping in to Brighton to do some shopping.

Fans trailed in his wake as he toured the historic Lanes shopping area with a friend.

But some claim they were left cold when the Light My Fire star - or someone looking very much like him - refused to sign autographs.

Olivia Hall-Smith, 11, of Mallory Road, Hove, was heart-broken after her mother approached a man who was the image of the singing sensation clutching a pen and paper, only to be told: "It's not me."

The Brighton College pupil, who was one of millions who voted for Will in the final of the competition earlier this year, said she would never buy another of the singer's records.

Will, in the South of France after performing at Buckingham Palace to mark the Queen's Golden Jubilee last week, was unavailable for comment.

Bosses at his record company yesterday said it would be "very unlike" the real Will to ignore fans. They have promised to contact her and send signed photos of the singer.

Olivia's mother Sarah, 42, told how she caught up with "Will" in Duke Street and asked if he would sign an autograph for her daughter.

Mrs Hall-Smith said: " I'm certain it was him. It would have been far quicker for him to give me an autograph as I had a pen and paper ready, than to deny who he was."

Olivia said: "I was very disappointed. An autograph would have meant a lot to me."

Cat Halsby of public relations company Henry's House, which looks after Will, said: "Will was in Brighton on Saturday and is now on holiday in the South of France.

"We've been unable to get in touch with him to get his side of the story.

"I'm really shocked to hear of this as it is most unlike Will. He's very conscious that it is the fans who have put him where he is.

"He loves meeting his fans after concerts and often insists on waiting until all autographs have been signed."