It was no summer holiday for loyal Sir Cliff Richard fans who have slept rough to get their hands on the hottest tickets in town.

More than 20 devotees camped outside the Brighton Centre to buy tickets for Sir Cliff's concert in November - two had been there since Sunday.

The box office was due to open this morning and the fans were not going to settle for anything less than the front row.

Rita Ford, of Kipling Walk, Eastbourne, said: "My friend and I came here on Sunday but, being two girls on our own, we were a bit nervous about staying out through the night.

"So we kept going home at night and back here in the morning.

"Then everyone else turned up and it was all right to stay out. It has been very cold.

"I love Cliff because he is so professional. I have a massive picture of him on my wall at home.

"I camp out not only to make sure I get tickets but to make sure I get the good tickets."

Two years ago Ruth and her friend Jenny Casey went on a nine-day trip following the star during his tour of Europe.

Jenny, 53, of Durrell Close, Eastbourne, who has a picture of Sir Cliff on her key ring, said: "I have taken a week off work to be able to get these tickets."

The rest of the group were as dedicated in their adoration.

Julie Ward, 40, of Elm Drive, Hove, said: "He is so talented.

"I like everything about him - his music, voice, personality and definitely his body.

"I still have my first original ticket for 90p from 1972 for the Dome.

"I got a card from Cliff on my 40th birthday.

"I have two children, aged 16 and 18, and they think I am sad."

The queuing system for Sir Cliff concerts is organised with military precision.

The first to arrive hand out numbered tickets to book places in the queue as the rest turn up.

Ruth Giblin, 43, travelled from Watford to secure her tickets.

She said: "I buy my allocation of six tickets here and my friends who also love him are at different venues across the country buying their six tickets. Then we all end up with a ticket each for every venue."