MORE than 300 people heard former pop star Merrill Osmond speak at a Mormon service in Watford last Friday.

Religious and pop music enthusiasts from all over the country packed out the hall in The Church of Jesus Christ and the Latter Day Saints in Hempstead Road.

Miss Kathy Whelan, 41, and Mrs Janine Smith, 40, came from Brighton for the event and met their friend Ms Jayne Cantin, 37, from Nottingham.

Mrs Smith said: 'We always come to see any of the Osmonds. We heard about the service through the fan club.

'I have an interest in the religious aspect too now, as through the Osmonds I became interested in being a Mormon.'

Miss Whelan said: 'We have camped outside hotels and almost been run over when we have gone to see the Osmonds - we've done it all.

'Donny and Marie are our favourites but we have met Merrill before and he is really lovely.'

Mrs Smith said: 'The nice thing about the religious aspect of it is the family way of life.'

Osmond asked the congregation to shake hands with people across the church aisle and next to them, joking: 'Now you can say you have been touched, moved and uplifted by Merrill Osmond.'

He went on to speak about the importance of love, faith and the family unit.

Bishop John Ryan said: 'He is a wonderful man and a very special man to many people.'