POPSTAR Mikey Bromley returned to Carlisle to give his overjoyed hometown fans the chance to grab a signed copy of his debut solo album.

Scores turned out for the X Factor performer’s appearance at the city’s HMV store so they could meet the 20-year-old who’s now embarking on a solo career.

This follows the breakup of Only The Young, the band which made him famous on the TV talent show.

A series of signings – including the one in The Lanes – marked the launch of his self-titled first album.

After the event he was performing an intimate gig in The Source at Denton Holme in Carlisle.

Excited fans queued up inside and outside the shop as they awaited the arrival of the star, who comes from the St Ann’s area of the city.

Speaking exclusively to the News & Star at the signing, Mikey said: “It’s pretty overwhelming more than anything, it’s weird being here seeing a queue for me, especially in my hometown.

“I wanted to make sure 100 per cent that Carlisle was on the list of places to come to.

“It’s always weird coming back but I thought it would be a great place to set it off. It just feels right to do that.”

Mikey said that while he enjoyed his time in Only The Young his solo work will allow fans to see a different side of him.

“I felt as though I couldn’t always show off exactly what I wanted to do. This is the real me,” he added.

Among the crowd excitedly waiting for him to arrive was mum Angela and dad Martin.

“This is the real stuff now, this is going to be a lot of work up and down the motorway. We are all really proud of him,” said Martin.

A number of die-hard fans won a competition giving them a free signed copy and priority access.

One of them was 18-year-old Leanne Bonner, from Aspatria.

She said: “I’ve known about him for three years, before he was on the X Factor .

“Even though he’s a singer he’s still so down to earth and still talks to his fans like a normal person, fame won’t go to his head.”

Stephanie Shepherd, 21, travelled from Glasgow especially to meet Mikey. She said: “He’s so down to earth, makes times for his fans and he’s really talented.”

Erin Hoskins, 12, from the Yewdale area of Carlisle, said: “He’s just so nice.”