BLACKBURN experienced Maynard-mania yesterday as hundreds of Conor Maynard fans lined up outside King George’s Hall to meet their teen idol.

Conor shot to fame after YouTube videos of him singing were discovered by American performer Ne-Yo.

Ne-Yo contacted the singer and became his mentor and the star was signed to EMI.

Since then, he has released a debut studio album, Contrast, been nominated for MTV’s Brand New for 2012 award and attracted a loyal army of fans, calling themselves ‘Mayniacs’.

In October, he launched a book tour to promote Take Off, charting his rise to fame.

And in Blackburn he took the stage in King George’s Hall to talk about the book and answer questions from the audience after meeting two fans backstage.

In an exclusive Lancashire Telegraph interview he said visiting Blackburn was ‘cool’ and added: “This is the first time I’ve done it like this where I kind of have a chat with everyone at the same time and then they get a book at the end.”

Speaking of his backstage meeting with two ‘Mayniacs’ he said: “They were pretty intense. One of them just cried instantly.”

Outside before the event, Lauren Saddington, 16 from Burnley was shaking with excitement. The ex-Shuttleworth College student said: “He is so talented and good looking and I love all his songs. I’m going to ask him how much his life has changed.”

Lily West, 16, from Blackburn was giddy with anticipation. She said: “It’s my best friend’s birthday today and I got her a ticket as a birthday present because we both love him.”

(Click on the picture gallery right)