THOUSANDS of music fans will be getting down to some Crocodile Rock when music legend Elton John performs a concert in the region today.

Sir Elton will be making musical history when he becomes the first pop star to perform in the grounds of Raby Castle, near Staindrop, County Durham.

The show has been hyped as a once-in-a-lifetime chance to see Sir Elton play a one-man show, which is expected to last more than two hours.

Sir Elton, who climbed to fame with hits such as Rocket Man and Daniel, will also be hoping that one of his other songs, Don't Let the Sun Go Down On Me, rings true on the night.

Much is hanging on the weather, as the 14,000-seater concert will be held in the grounds of the 14th Century fortress, which is the seat of Lord Barnard.

Whatever the weather, the organisers and Sir Elton are excited about the concert, which is the culmination of a three-month nationwide tour of Britain's stately homes.

Sir Elton said: "This really will be an amazing show, as a major concert has never been staged at Raby before. I'm delighted to be part of history by being the first artist to play there."

In 1998, the castle attracted national admiration after gracing cinema screens in the blockbuster Elizabeth, which starred Sir Richard Attenborough.

The concert has been heralded as "an intimate evening with Sir Elton", and the flamboyant 52-year-old, who will not have a support act, will be playing the concert without a break.

A specially-created arena will seat all 14,000 fans, and Lord Barnard has confirmed that he will be joining the audience.

Those attending the concert will be allowed into the car parks from 4pm, and access to the site will open at 5pm, with Sir Elton appearing at 8pm.

Picnics are only allowed to be taken into the car park, but there will be stalls and refreshments in the castle grounds.

Police expect major hold-ups around nearby Staindrop from 5pm onwards. They are also warning motorists to avoid the A688 Barnard Castle to Bishop Auckland road from 4pm, because of the traffic build-up expected to be created by the concert.

There are still a few tickets left for the concert, which are available by calling (0870) 444 4005.

rbarke