POP sensation Louise visited Gwent yesterday to thank staff at a local supermarket for helping to raise money for charity.

The former Eternal band member and wife of England football star Jamie Redknapp told staff at Asda in Blackwood she was extremely grateful for their fundraising efforts.

Colleagues at the store on High Street came third in a nationwide store competition to sell the most copies of Louise's recent single 'Don't Give Up'.

They sold 749 copies, which Louise said was "excellent" for one store. Stores in Liverpool and Walsall in the west Midlands, came first and second in the competition.

All proceeds raised from the sale of the single went to breast cancer charities.

Louise spent some time at Asda yesterday meeting shoppers and autographing photographs of herself for members of staff.

"I just wanted to meet the people who sold my single and to thank them," she told the Argus.

"I said I would visit the three stores who sold the most copies and this is my first visit."

Louise, who said she had received a warm welcome from both customers and staff, added that she agreed to make the single after being approached by breast cancer charities.