ONE of the biggest stars of the UK urban music scene arrived in Ipswich last night and received a rapturous reception from a packed-out Regent Theatre.

ONE of the biggest stars of the UK urban music scene arrived in Ipswich last night and received a rapturous reception from a packed-out Regent Theatre.

Tinchy Stryder, so called because he measures up at just 5ft 1in, hit the heights of the UK number one spot twice last year and was in Suffolk as part of his national

tour.

He delivered his anthemic hits alongside some lesser-known tracks to an ecstatic crowd, performing before a vast hi-definition screen displaying a string of eye-catching backing videos.

The only chance to pause for breath was while Tinchy, real name Kwasi Danquah, briefly left the stage only to return for a encore of chart-toppers, Number 1 and Never Leave You, the later performed in front of black and white footage of Sugababe Amelle Berrabah, whose vocal features on the track.

Hundreds of delirious teens, mostly decked-out in his iconic “Star in the Hood” design t-shirts and hoodies, and plenty of parents had waited for more than two hours before their hero finally arrived on stage.

Casey Joseph, 13, went along with mum Tracy, 39, who also admitted a fondness for Tinchy. She said: “I'm here with my daughter mainly because she's the real fan. I quietly like him but think I'm too old!”

“I like his rapping,” added Casey. “I like that he's British and he can keep up with the Americans.”

Michael McKenzie, 34, and son Martell, 13, are both big fans of the boy from Bow, East London. The pair said Stryder's unique style set him apart from other chart-toppers.

Evening Star competition winners Guy Hurd and Louise Flanagan were delighted to have scooped two tickets to the show. Twelve-year-old Guy said: “I'm a big fan of Tinchy. He sings well and dresses the right way. He has a good image and I can really relate to his lyrics.”

Tinchy, 22, has quickly risen from one of the hottest stars of the Grime scene to one of the country's top pop stars in just three years.

His first album, Star in the Hood, was released in 2007 but his profile rocketed with the release of Catch 22 last year and collaborations with Chipmunk, Kano and N-Dubz.

Stryderman, the first single from Catch 22, was a stand-out track and well-received on the night ,while recent hits You're Not Alone and Halo also proved hugely popular.

Assisted by DJ Spiral and members of the Ruff Sqwad, Tinchy delivered a 75 minute set at breakneck speed, pausing only to change into a selection of S.I.T.H T-shirts - which he took no persuading to promote at any opportunity.

One lucky fan even went home with one as a special gift from Tinchy, dripping in sweat mopped from his brow, no less.

ELLIOT FURNISS