Star treatment for Darren's 40th

Superfan Darren Harvey-Beswick was treated to the birthday present of a lifetime when his music idol, Las Vegas legend Peggy March, performed at his party in Wolverhampton as he hit 40.

Peggy jetted in from Sin City to serenade Darren at the Mount Hotel in Tettenhall Wood.

The city businessman, who has a vast collection of memorabilia on the star, first met Peggy at Las Vegas casino Stardust in 2003 and the pair became firm friends.

He said: "Having my Number One girl here in Wolverhampton to sing at my coming-of-age party certainly eased the transition into 40.

"It was quite surreal seeing her mingle with all the guests and then perform just for me – I had to keep pinching myself. I was lucky enough to meet her in 2003 after seeing one of her unforgettable shows.

"Three years later I asked if she would perform at my civil partnership ceremony. To my amazement she said 'Yes' and we've been close friends ever since. I will be on Cloud Nine for quite some time after this."

Peggy had a worldwide hit, I Will Follow Him in the 1960s. The 59-year-old said she was delighted to be singing Happy Birthday to her Number One fan as well as a selection of her hits.

"As soon as I heard it was Darren's birthday, I knew I was coming over," she said.

More than 100 people attended the party on Sunday. German singer songwriter Andreas Zaron and Northern Soul band The Flirtations also performed. "It was wonderful to have all these stars perform at my party," Darren said. "It really was a fantastic night. Peggy is a very special lady to me with a beautiful girl-next-door personality."

Little Peggy March, as she was known in the 1960s, first found fame in 1963 when she was just 15. Her hit single also featured in the film Sister Act.

Collector Darren said: "I find things in old record stores around Europe or at record fairs or on the internet and it has become my hobby in life.

"Along with some very rare vinyl from Japan and Germany dating back to the early 60s, I also have some unusual memorabilia such as an unused box of matches with her on, a handkerchief, a beer mat and a puzzle and clippings from every country."