HOMETOWN boy Rick Astley was on top form as he rocked Haydock Park Racecourse on Saturday, writes Nathan Okell.

Singing a mix of his 80s classics, modern hits and some of his favourite covers, Newton-le-Willows born Rick had the crowd singing and dancing all night long and it was clear from the off that he was happy to be back in the town, although revealing he has turned into something of a "southern softie".

Astley opened with one of his more recent tracks in This Old House, before asking if the crowd wanted to hear something from the 80s.

He gladly obliged to their cheers by performing Together Forever, which had racegoers swaying and singing along in equal measure.

As well as singing his own songs, Astley admitted that he "loves to murder other people’s tunes" before performing Rag’n’Bone Man’s Giant, Shotgun by George Ezra and AC/DC’s Highway to Hell.

Subtle references to Selwyn Jones High School and the Legh Arms showed how Astley still has fond memories from his time living in Newton.

“I always get shivers when I drive up the M6 to come here because it’s where I grew up and where my heart is,” he said.

The night would not be complete however without a performance of the song that put him on the musical map – Never Gonna Give You Up – which received the loudest cheer of the night. Fans received an extra special treat when Astley welcomed onto stage the legendary producer Pete Waterman, who saluted the crowd and added that Rick sounded "as good as ever".

And as the local lad waved goodbye to his hometown, he promised to return sooner rather than later.