SINGING starlet Zoe Birkett is to make a welcome return to the region tonight to cheer on the Quakers.

The teenager, who shot to fame in the ITV Pop Idol competition, has been invited to Darlington's FC Feethams ground by millionaire chairman George Reynolds.

Her mum, Tracey said: "Zoe just wanted to say thank you to the people of Darlington who have backed her and then we were invited to the football club.

"She is glad to be back in Darlington, even though it will just be a flying visit before she heads back to London."

Zoe and her mum are also in discussions with various organisations, including The Northern Echo, to organize some kind of event to thank more of her fans, possibly a concert starring Zoe and other talented youngsters from the town.

Tracey said: "We really want to mark Zoe's return to the town in some way and get her to see as many people as possible."

Zoe got down to the last four in the national competition to find the country's next big musical name.

She was the last girl in the competition but was voted off the show last weekend.

The remaining three contestants will perform again this Saturday before a grand final in February to find the winner who will be awarded a record contract and professional management.

In the meantime Zoe is in talks with a number of record companies about recording her first solo songs.