YORKSHIREMAN John Blakeman thinks nothing of making a 540-mile round trip to get front-row seats for the latest Weymouth Operatic Workshop extravaganza.

The 73-year-old pensioner from Leeds has been star-struck by the talents of the youngsters from WOW since he first visited the resort seven years ago.

He explained: "I was in Weymouth having a holiday and by chance I saw posters for a production of Calamity Jane at the Pavilion. I decided to go along and I was so impressed with what I saw, I've been coming back ever since."

The musical director of WOW, Janet Stockley, said: "We're all amazed at the lengths Mr Blakeman goes to so he can come and see our productions. He's got to be our number one fan - and he always sits in the front row at all the shows."

Mr Blakeman has been returning to Weymouth since 1995 - sometimes two or three times a year - to take in as many of their shows as possible.

He said: "What I love is the song and dance of the old musicals, they just don't write them like they used to any more. The verve and vitality of the youngsters on the stage is outstanding. They really make a great impact in all the productions I've seen and I hope to keep coming down to Weymouth to enjoy the shows as long as I can."

This year alone Mr Blakeman has been to Weymouth three times to catch a WOW performances at the Pavilion.

He was there - in the front row - for last night's opening night of Annie Get Your Gun, and he says he will have time to take in another performance before he travels back home to Leeds.

He added: "I like visiting Weymouth, it's a lovely town and a big contrast to where I'm from. But my trip to the theatre to see WOW is always the highlight."