Support for Bradford's own Pop Idol Gareth Gates, pictured, is gaining world-wide support after the launch of a website dedicated to the East Bowling teenager.

The new website is attracting hits from all over the globe, with messages of support for the ITV show contestant coming from as far afield as South Africa.

The website, which features pictures, news and information about Gareth, was set up by 16-year-old Nicola Harrison, of Denbigh, North Wales. And a special Gareth Gates chatroom has been set up by internet giant Yahoo! and has already clocked-up more than 600 members.

But, despite the global attention, Gareth's mum Wendy said her 17-year-old son has still got his feet on the ground, and is just delighted with the backing he is receiving.

"Gareth is really pleased with the support he's been getting,'' she said. "He has a great following and he is delighted that so many people are backing him. He is just loving it.''

Danny Tetley, from Windhill, Shipley, who reached the last 75 of Pop Idol and now presents a segment about the show on Channel Four's Big Breakfast, said he thought some of the contestants were beginning to feel the pressure.

He added: "I know Gareth is a very nervous person and still very young, and he has not had much experience of this before. Although I don't think he's got the strongest singing voice of those left, he is probably more of a pop idol than anyone else.''