Gareth Gates turned down the chance to sing at the closing ceremony of the Commonwealth Games so he could perform in Bradford, it emerged today.

The chart-topping star had been lined-up by officials to play a part in the biggest sporting event ever hosted by the UK.

But he had no hesitation in turning down the approach when it emerged the grand event clashed with his planned event in Bradford's Centenary Square.

Today Bradford Council leader Margaret Eaton said the decision was a glowing tribute to the city and hailed the event as the biggest boost yet to the Capital of Culture bid.

"I am so pleased to see that someone as famous as he is values his home town so much and it is obviously because he has a great deal to be proud of," she said.

"This is an enormous boost to the Capital of Culture bid and I don't think we should underestimate the contribution he has brought to it."

Farzana Khan, business development manager for the Capital of Culture team, confirmed that Gareth had been offered the chance to sing at the City of Manchester Stadium.

"We were absolutely ecstatic when we found out, but it didn't surprise us because he has turned down other events to perform for us before," she said.

"For him to do something like this is so important. He realises how serious we are about the bid and it acknowledges his commitment to the city. He is a winner and that's what we want Bradford to be."

She added that it had not taken the Capital of Culture team long to convince him to perform in Bradford.

"It wasn't difficult to persuade him," she said. "When it is anything to do with Bradford and promoting the city he is very keen."

A spokesman for the Commonwealth Games said the acts lined-up for the closing ceremony were top secret.

Meanwhile, the Centenary Square event, which was originally scheduled to start at 4pm, will now start at 5pm.

Gareth is expected to perform in the square for about 45 minutes. His performance will include his two Number One singles, Unchained Melody and Any One of Use (Stupid Mistake), and a duet with his sister Nicola, which will be dedicated to Bradford.

Following the concert Gareth will be led into City Hall by Lord Mayor of Bradford, Councillor Richard Wightman, for a formal civic ceremony.

The visit will start with the signing of the Lord Mayor's visitors' book and may include a tour of City Hall.

Meanwhile, there has been a huge demand for special Gareth Gates homecoming T-shirts, which are being sold this week for fans to wear at the concert.

The T-shirts, bearing the Bradford 2008 logo, are being sold by the Capital of Culture team.

Around 500 have been snapped-up so far. To order a T-shirt ring the Bradford 2008 team on (01274) 435393.

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