POP star Danny Jones has pledged to help raise money for a Bolton club for youngsters with special needs.

The McFly singer met members of arts and drama group Imag1ne during a visit to his home town on Saturday.

He spent time talking to the teenagers, finding out about the club and posing for photographs.

Danny, from Bromley Cross, was so impressed that he has promised to help the new group in any way he can.

The 24-year-old said: “I am here to show my support to the group.

“When I was at school, there wasn’t enough time for music, arts and other creative things.

“People have creative sides, whatever their abilities, and this group is letting these young people express that. I would love to get involved. I will go along to a charity night or give things to an auction or do anything else I can to help. This is a group I really want to support.”

Danny’s visit proved to be a hit with youngsters from Imag1ne, who had been looking forward to meeting their idol.

Ellie Greenaway, aged 15, from Tyldesley, said: “It was lovely to meet Danny. I love McFly and it’s brilliant that he’s here.”

Her mum, Andrea, said: “It’s very exciting that Danny has come here.

It’s brilliant for Imag1ne to get someone with such a high-profile to support it.

“Ellie loves McFly so she’s been really looking forward to meeting Danny. She’s had an amazing day.”

Danny met the youngsters at St Anthony’s Chapel, in Chorley New Road, Horwich, after being invited by the group’s director, Mo Packwood.

She said: “I heard Danny was in the area, so I invited him to come and support us.

“It’s fantastic for the young people to meet their idol, especially because he comes from Bolton and has made a career from music.”

Imag1ne meets on Tuesday evenings at Bolton Arena and is open to people aged 10 to 30 with special needs.

To find out more, visit imag1ne.org.uk.

■ In Tuesday’s Bolton News: How McFly and other celebrities and sports stars came together for a Masquerade Ball in support of KiDs of Bolton, set up by Wanderers’ captain Kevin Davies and his wife Emma.