SECURITY measures have been ramped up ahead of a Rod Stewart concert set to draw thousands of fans from across the country.

Those attending the gig tomorrow by the 72-year-old singer at Durham County Cricket Club, in Chester-le-Street, have been advised to arrive at the venue to allow for increased security at each entrance point following atrocities in Manchester and London.

A spokeswoman for Durham Police said: “The safety of everyone in County Durham and Darlington is paramount and in light of the recent terrorist attacks in Manchester and London, we are continuing to review our response to public events due to take place in our area over the coming days.

“While there is nothing to suggest a specific threat to our communities, extra patrols will be on duty at the concert to protect and reassure the public.”

Richard Dowson, chief operating officer, of Durham County Cricket Club, said preparations for the show - the biggest concert the venue has hosted - had gone smoothly.

Gates will open from 4pm with the entertainment beginning at 6.30pm. Rod Stewart’s daughter’s band, Sisterhood, will take the stage at 7.55pm, before Sir Rod’s set begins at 8.35pm.

The former Faces frontman is being supported at the gig by his daughter, Ruby, and her own band The Sisterhood, which includes multi-instrumentalist Alyssa Bonagura.

The 29-year-old, who was born in Los Angeles to model Kelly Emberg, is Sir Rod’s fourth child.

The former lingerie model told The Northern Echo: “He has given me great advice. He first brought me up on stage and I sang was when I was seven, so I have been doing this since I was a kid, but I have been doing my own stuff in between.

“This is our own music and we write it ourselves. It is country rock with a soulful touch.

“Opening for my dad is such a crazy concept, but he wouldn’t have us up there if we sucked.”

Alyssa Bonagura, 29, who was born in Nashville, Tennessee, added: “Rod has either chosen or written great songs and living in Nashville and having grown up in Nashville you known that it all begins with the song. We just want to lift people up and have a really great show.”

Councillor Simon Henig, leader of Durham County Council, said events such as the Rod Stewart concert were an ideal way to showcase the region to visitors.

He said: “These occasions are tremendous. The more events like this we can attract the better for bring people into County Durham and selling County Durham as a venue. We would hope they boost the local economy as it is not just locals who attend. They bring people in and they spend money and stay so event like this are very positive.”

Ronnie King, of Bishop Auckland, was among those set to be watching the veteran singer, after his wife Karen’s dying wish was granted for him to be given tickets for the show.

Mrs King, who died in March, contacted The Northern Echo earlier this year with the request despite being gravely ill.

Music promoters Cuffe and Taylor, agreed to give four tickets for the King family.

Ahead of the gig Mr King said: “I am really looking forward to it, but it is going to be a very emotional time.”

There will be park and ride services from Belmont, Drum Industrial Estate and Lambton. Go North East is running extra buses to and from the event. All advanced parking is sold out but there will be some on the day parking on a first served basis.