THOUSANDS of fans are set to turn out in a massive show of support for Essex boy and X Factor finalist Olly Murs when he comes to Colchester tomorrow night.

James Hore

THOUSANDS of fans are set to turn out in a massive show of support for Essex boy and X Factor finalist Olly Murs when he comes to Colchester tomorrow night.

The 25-year-old from Witham announced a one-off show at Colchester's Charter Hall and fans rushed out to snap-up the 1,200 free tickets within four hours.

Many more people are expected to turn-up just to catch a glimpse of the man that judge Simon Cowell has dubbed the “boy next-door”.

He may be the bookmakers' outsider for this weekend's grand final, but he is a sure-fire favourite with the fans and the chances of him bringing home the title to Essex cannot be ruled out.

A spectacular red carpet extravaganza is being lined-up with a fireworks display set to mark the event.

But with traffic chaos expected in the area around Cowdray Avenue the event's organisers have urged people to leave their cars at home and use public transport.

Sharon Carter, marketing and communications officer for Charter Hall, praised Olly as a “great representative” for the county.

She said: “Parking is going to be extremely, extremely restricted on the night, so we are really trying to discourage people coming by car.

“We would like people to come on foot or by public transport because car parking is going to be limited.”

james.hore@eadt.co.uk