JOE McElderry's fans in his North-East hometown went wild after he won the X Factor on Sunday night.

Mayor of South Shields, Councillor John Anglin, was at a live link-up at Temple Park Leisure Centre, in South Shields, which attracted about 2,000 fans.

He said: "It was always a case of when Joe was going to win, not if, and now his dream has come true.

"He is a real star and has a remarkable talent so I am sure he will be number one at Christmas.

"He is a great ambassador for South Tyneside and we are all so proud of him."

Lynda Fothergill, head of communications at South Tyneside Council, said: "The atmosphere was absolutely fantastic at the leisure centre and the support shown by people in South Shields was incredible.

"The feeling when Joe was announced as winner was amazing.

"I think everybody in South Shields and South Tyneside is proud of Joe.

"We are looking forward to welcoming him back home."

Katie Rodgerson, 18, a student from Newcastle, said: "The atmosphere at the link-up was unreal - everybody went crazy when they announced Joe as the winner.

"People were hysterical and everybody was hugging.

"It feels like we have won the lottery - I have never been so happy.

"I voted 82 times tonight and I voted 66 times last night for Joe.

"My phone bill will be nearly £200.

"Joe has done so well, they should name a street after him or put up a statue of him."

Sarah Anderson, a 19-year-old shop assistant from South Shields, said: "Joe has the voice of an angel and the public just can't get enough of him.

"His voice brings tears to my eyes every time, it is just so beautiful.

"He makes us proud to be from South Shields.

"You'd never guess we were in the middle of a recession the way everybody is celebrating."

John Davies, 34, a plumber from South Shields, said: "He's flying the flag for South Shields and that is brilliant.

"He is a local lad doing well and everyone in Shields is behind him."

Scores of people turned up to watch Joe sing on the big screen in his local pub, the Old Ship Inn.

Chantelle Mordain, 21, a student from Cleadon, said: "Joe is amazing, I'm so happy for him. I don't know him but I have been watching the whole way through.

"I had butterflies before the winner was announced. It was so good to hear his name, it was amazing.

"I think everybody in South Shields watched X-Factor tonight, we are all behind Joe."

Bev Robinson, Principal of Newcastle College, where McElderry is a student, said: "Everyone at Newcastle College is thrilled and very proud of Joe has achieved.

"He is a fantastic ambassador for the college and the North-East.

"His performances have been consistently outstanding and I am sure he will have a bright and lengthy career ahead.

"His X Factor success will be an inspiration to young people everywhere."