OSMONDMANIA gripped Torquay's main shopping street yesterday as the Long Haired Lover from Liverpool came to town.

Jimmy Osmond put in a personal appearance at Rowcroft Hospice's new shop in Union Street to declare it officially open.

A 100-strong crowd filled the pavement and spilled on to the street as Jimmy, who is appearing in Chicago at the Princess Theatre, arrived to cut the cake and ribbon.

As well as posing for pictures and hugging a lot of ladies, generous Jimmy wanted to be the first person to buy something in the new store, but said he didn't have any sterling.

Rowcroft chief executive Giles Charnaud joked: "Don't worry — we take dollars."

And Jimmy happily emptied his pockets and ended up donating $90 (the equivalent of £75) for a small fluffy duck.

Speaking at the new shop in front of assembled Rowcroft management and volunteers, Jimmy said: "This town is beautiful, amazing.

"I sat at the top of my fancy hotel and called my kids over the internet and showed them the view.

"What a wonderful way to start our production here.

"And I was very touched to be a part of this worthy cause.

"I'm going to be the first one to buy something.

"I really hope that this store brings about a lot of blessings.

"So on behalf of all our cast I'd like to say it's a wonderful thing you do, to help people at the end of their lives — to make it fuller.

"I've been through something similar, a situation with family. I know how important the last part of our lives can be. I admire all of you."

Herald Express competition winner Karen Hill from Torquay had been waiting for nearly three hours for the famous American sibling to arrive.

Not content with winning tickets to see him in action as Billy Flynn, she was waiting for a photograph and to get her 7" single personally signed.

"I have followed his career since he started out," she said.

"He's amazing. I got here really early so I ended up helping out and blowing up some balloons."

The shop is one of nine raising vital funds for Rowcroft which provides care to more than 1,000 people every year through its ward, hospice, at home, community team and day services.

It costs £5.6million to run Rowcroft for a year — more than £12,000 per day.

Osmond fans who missed out can still get their hands on some autographed Osmond records, which are now on sale at the new hospice shop.

Chicago plays at the Princess Theatre until Saturday.

For the opening night review see tomorrow's paper. For video of Osmondmania action go to www.thisissouthdevon.co.uk