Bryan Adams super fan Abbie Lane got to meet her idol back stage at Bitts Park, thanks to a friend in the city.

Abbie, who lives in Appleby, and her friends were given the VIP treatment after the surprise was secured just 48 hours earlier.

It was all because of a link between Jean James, who works at Barn Close Residential Home in Stanwix, and the Adams family.

Jean said: “My brother Alan Watson is originally from Carlisle but he’s a physiotherapist in Chiswick and is friends with Bryan’s family.”

Colleague Sonia Kelly asked Jean if there was a possibility of a signed photo for Abbie during the Canadian’s hotly-anticipated visit to the city.

Sonia, of Scotby, said: “Jean came back on Thursday to say there may be a chance of something better than that and she said we could come to the concert and meet him.”

Abbie, 35, said: “I’ve seen him a few times in Newcastle. I never thought I’d see him here at home. It is amazing.”

Adams dedicated one of his best-loved ballads, Please Forgive Me, to Abbie during his two-hour set, before allowing her backstage afterwards for a quick meet-and-greet.

“It was amazing,” said Abbie. “He was so nice and just lovely.”