Bradford singing star Gareth Gates is set to team up with his own pop idols at a huge concert in Manchester.

Irish chart toppers Westlife have asked the East Bowling teenager to join them on stage at the Manchester Evening News Arena.

And Gareth, who famously sang their hit Flying Without Wings on the hit TV series Pop Idol, is keen to work with the band.

Today his mum Wendy said it would be "a dream come true" for Gareth if he were to join the Irish supergroup on stage.

"I have heard the suggestion that it might happen, but nothing definite from the record company yet," she said. "It would certainly be nice for Gareth if he did, though.

"I think performing with Westlife would be a dream come true for Gareth. He thinks Westlife are absolutely wonderful and if he could sing with them then it would just be fantastic. It would be great for him to perform in front of so many fans."

A spokesman for Westlife's record company, BMG, who also signed-up Gareth after his success on Pop Idol, said the gig had not been confirmed yet.

But he said there had been discussions about Gareth joining up with the Irish boy band and an official statement may be released this week.

"It is certainly a possibility, but nothing is official just yet," he said. "All we can say is that there has been an idea put about that he could do it."

According to the band's official website, Gareth is likely to make an appearance with Westlife at one of their Manchester dates in May.

The band were impressed with his performances of their songs on Pop Idol, and suggested joining forces during an appearance on music TV station MTV.

Westlife are due to perform four dates at the Manchester Evening News Arena from May 14 to 17, all starting at 7.30pm. Tickets are still available for the gig on Friday May 17, but all the other dates are sold out. For ticket details, contact the arena on (0161) 9505000.