SECURITY was tight at Atlantis nightclub when Romeo -- ex-member of the controversial garage group So Solid Crew -- appeared live on stage at midnight.

The Londoner sang three songs at the club, on Eagley Brook Way, Astley Bridge, and hundreds of loyal fans rushed to the stage to get a glimpse of the star.

The 22-year-old was in town to promote a solo career after leaving the successful 30-strong group.

The Children's Hospital Appeal Trust (CHAT) was also at the event to help raise £3,000 for equipment to be used on emergency ambulances.

Liz Oakes, from CHAT, said: "The night was absolutely fantastic. Romeo seemed very popular with the audience. At one point everyone seemed to surge forward to try and get a touch of him."

Romeo was dubbed the So Solid Crew's "heartbreaker" and his solo release, "'Romeo dunn", went straight into the charts at number three. So Solid Crew notched up a number one single with "21 Seconds" and were promoted as the capital's equivalent to US band the Wu Tang Clan.

Yet some band members were hauled before the courts on firearm offences and making threats to kill.

Furthermore, two men were shot at a London So Solid Crew concert, and rapper Skat-D was convicted of breaking a 15-year-old fan's jaw after she refused his sexual advances. Many venues in the London area refused to allow them to play because of the fear of violence.

The group's album, "They Don't Know", was also criticised for its sometimes violent content.

Romeo, however, has not been in trouble and Atlantis manager Mark Law was happy to have him back for the second time.

Mr Law said: "When he appeared last time, he had a better reaction from the girls than even the Chippendales."