A TEENAGE Michael Jackson fan travelled almost 6,000 miles from the North-East to support him on the first day of his child abuse trial.

Jordan Gibson spent more than 20 hours getting from Gateshead to California to catch a glimpse of her hero for a few seconds through a wire fence.

The 16-year-old travelled with her grandmother, Anne Scott, on the £1,000 trip, which involved a flight from Newcastle to San Francisco via Amsterdam, and a coach journey to the court in Santa Maria.

Mrs Scott and Jordan were among hundreds of wellwishers and an estimated 1,000 journalists eager to capture the start of what is being called the celebrity trial of the century.

Super-fan Jordan handed a hand-drawn poster of Jackson and Peter Pan to one of the star's minders.

She said: "I know it's a long way, but he is innocent and I think it is right to support someone who is.

"I know in my heart he is innocent. He could not possibly have done this, and it is a small price to pay to come over here and support him after all he has done for the fans."

Retired school caretaker Mrs Scott, 64, said: "My granddaughter has been a fan from a tiny tot, and being here means so much to her.

"I am happy to have helped make her dream come true."

Jordan said: "I love Michael and his music and have done since I was five. I wanted to be here for him when his trial started."

Her mother, Lisa, received a brief telephone call from Jordan following Jackson's arrival at the court on the first day of the case.

She said: "She was just so excited that she had seen Michael Jackson and could not get her words out.

"She had designed a banner which she took out with her, and apparently someone had taken it and put it in a sack for him to keep."

Jackson is accused of engaging in lewd acts with 12-year-old Gavin Arvizo, administering alcohol to him, and a conspiracy charge involving abduction, imprisonment and extortion.

The 46-year-old entertainer, who faces up to 20 years in jail if found guilty, denies the charges.

His trial is expected to last at least six months.