SINGER Andy Abraham brought shoppers at Poole’s Dolphin Centre to a standstill when he serenaded them with a selection of his favourite songs.

People crowded around the tiny stage and peered over the first floor railings as the platinum record-selling former binman’s powerful voice filled the building.

If the main aim was to sell more tickets for his History of the Big Bands show at Poole Lighthouse on April 27, he seemed to be winning fans of all ages. Some sang along with him or clapped in time.

The singer – who came second to Shayne Ward in the second series of X Factor in 2005 – lapped up the attention, waving to the audience, signing autographs and posing for pictures.

After being presented with a personalised Easter egg and giant cookie by traders in the centre, Andy went on to Waterstones to sign copies of Remember When, which tells his life story through his musical influences.

“The response has been great,” he told the Echo. “I’m doing what every act should do to, to get to the audience. I don’t want to restrict myself to doing only big places.

Andy, who was with his family, was planning to stay and see the local sights.

He said: “It’s the first time I’ve been to Poole. I’ve been to Bournemouth a few times, a couple of times to sing and with my family as a kid.”