THEY began chanting his name before he even reached the stage - a chorus of approval that never subsided.

And the Modfather Paul Weller didn't disappoint as he lit a musical forest fire in North Yorkshire on Saturday night.

About 4,500 rain-soaked devotees had gathered in Dalby Forest, near Pickering, to watch the ex-Jam and Style Council frontman strut his stuff in the late evening gloom.

Sporting his trademark feather cut hairstyle and military-style epaulette jacket, he rattled through a two-hour set mixing the old and new. Songs included You Do Something To Me, That's Entertainment, Changing Man and A Town Called Malice.

The Dalby Forest event is in its fourth year and has previously played host to the likes of Pulp and Status Quo.

* The North-East's Brian Ferry, of Roxy Music fame, was due to take to the stage last night but was forced to cancel with a severe throat infection. A full refund is available to all ticket holders.

Published: 21/06/2004