IRISH crooner Val Doonican, pictured, is set to take Fareham by storm when he performs at Ferneham Hall in a rare concert appearance.

Coinciding with his namesake, the legendary singer will be performing on the eve of St Valentine's Day.

It is the second time Val has appeared at the venue in as many years. Already more than 500 of the allocated 700 tickets have been sold.

Marketing manager Paul Butler said: "It is good for us that Val seems to enjoy performing here and comes back. The simple reason we book him is because he puts bums on seats. He has an army of fans and despite being in almost semi-retirement is as popular as ever.

"We are extremely pleased to have him here as one of only a few concert dates nationwide."

The Irish sensation has come a long way since he was spotted performing at a seaside hotel in the late 1940s. He rocketed to fame, eventually hosting a Saturday night TV show for two decades with his trademark rocking chair and woollen jumpers.

Val is due to take to the Ferneham Hall stage on February 13 at 7.30pm. Tickets, priced at £10.50, are available from the box office on 01329 231942.