Hero's welcome for X Factor star (From Lancashire Telegraph)

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X-Factor finalist James Arthur and mentor Nicole Scherzinger arrive at the Victoria pub

X Factor finalist James Arthur has been welcomed by hundreds of fans as he returned home accompanied by his mentor Nicole Scherzinger.

James, from Saltburn-by-the-Sea in the North East, returned to play a free homecoming gig.

The singer-songwriter and judge Nicole arrived on the back of two Harley Davidsons before paying a visit to James' local pub, the Victoria.

They were greeted by his family, along with hundreds of fans screaming and shouting his name.

Friend Kieran Shane said: "I've known him for about five or six years and I always knew he was destined for success.

"He's got charisma, he's got charm, he's got talent and he's a joy to be around.

"It's a Cinderella story, a rags to riches story, and it's the best."

After visiting a few sites in his home town, James will play at Middlesbrough Town Hall tonight.

In the final of the ITV programme, he will be competing against Christopher Maloney and Jahmene Douglas.