Norma Reeves, 82, who served as a St John Ambulance volunteer for more than 50 years, said Michael was already showing signs of the
talents that would catapult him to international super-stardom.

Tributes to Michael Jackson have been paid all over the world since news of his death broke on Thursday last week.

Mrs Reeves remembered how she and her friend Madge Cox set off very early one morning from the St John HQ in Buckingham on their way to Milton Keynes.

Once the first aid marquee had been organised, Mrs Reeves was allowed under the stage to watch The Jacksons rehearse.

Mrs Reeves said: "The music was wonderful and Michael was already
starting to show his wonderful talent."

Within half an hour of the gates opening, young fans – mainly girls – were being brought into the marquee on stretchers after swooning in the crush.

Mrs Reeves went on: "As I was walking around the prostrate girls I became aware of someone trying to get in."

The visitors turned out to be the Jackson sisters, who were very upset to see so many young fans unconscious from lack of sleep, food and water.

She said: "During the evening they came back to check on everything and then they gave me a hug and thank you for looking after everyone.
"They were gobsmacked when they found out we did it all for nothing."

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