SHE'S brought happiness to millions. But there's one smiling face singing star Jane McDonald loves to see more than any other.

The performer has become real friends with an eight-year-old super fan who never misses a concert when Jane is touring on the south coast.

Kirsty Reeds, of Beaufort Avenue, Fareham, met up again with Jane after her concert at Southampton's Mayflower Theatre this week.

The youngster, who suffers with a number of disabilities, became hooked on Jane after her mum, Carol, began watching The Cruise TV documentary which shot Jane to fame in 1998.

Since the two first met backstage at a concert in Bournemouth, Jane has become like a kindly aunt to little Kirsty, even telephoning her at home.

Now the singer - who describes Kirsty as her "special little girl" - makes sure the pair meet up whenever she is nearby.

After their latest meeting, Kirsty said: "She's just lovely. Whenever we meet up I do not chat to her that much, I just hug her."

This week's concert was the fifth which Kirsty, who was born with a radial club hand, no thumbs, facial palsy and heart and kidney problems, has attended.

It certainly won't be the last. She has tickets for gigs in Brighton and Bournemouth during the same tour.

Carol, who adopted Kirsty after fostering her from birth, said: "Jane is a wonderful woman. Kirsty absolutely adores her and Jane loves Kirsty."

Jane told the Daily Echo: "There was an instant bond with Kirsty. She just came running into my arms and that was it. I just wanted to take her home there and then.

"She has such a beautiful soul and is a wonderful young girl. She has become a real friend to me."