PEOPLE came from far and wide to Leeds Castle, near Maidstone, at the weekend to see the man who has outlasted every musical trend of the past 46 years.

Among the 21,000 fans who saw Sir Cliff Richard play some of his all-time favourites were Judy Donofrio, from California, and her friend, Heike Konieczny, from Germany, both highly committed Cliff fans.

Ms Donofrio, 59, set up the US fan club of Cliff Richard with a friend. She said: "I listened to him back in the 1960s, when Summer Holiday came out in America. He has not toured in America since the 1980s."

She has travelled to Britain and Denmark to see the star on numerous occasions. Ms Konieczny, 38, has been a fan since 1987. She said: "I like his music because it is very varied."

June Grant, 60, from Rainham, first saw Cliff perform with The Shadows in the early 1960s. She said: "I prefer him to Elvis. He is an all round entertainer. He's a real showman."

Among the oldest members of the audience, but still sporting a Cliff Richard T-shirt, was 87-year-old Kathleen Coniam, of Aske Court, Ashford. She said: "I like his looks and his songs. I like all of his songs."

FULL STORY AND MORE PICTURES IN THIS WEEK'S KENT MESSENGER