HEADS were turning in Dover when international singing sensation Joss Stone paid a flying visit.

Joss, who was born in Dover and spent the first eight years of her life in the town, was visiting members of her family, and catching up on some of the sights from her childhood.

A former pupil at St Mary’s Primary School, Joss was born at Buckland Hospital and lived in Albert Road.

Joss shot to fame when she won a BBC competition Junior Star For A Night.

She has gone on to find fame and fortune, particularly in America where she spends most of her time in Los Angeles.

She is flying back to the States this week but will be returning to England next month for the Live 8 charity event.

In February, Joss , who is now 18, won two Brit Awards, Best British Female Artist, and Best British Urban Act.

During the awards ceremony, Joss sang her single Right To Be Wrong, backed by a gospel choir, and later performed a duet with Robbie Williams, singing his song Angels which was voted the best British song of the past 25 years.

She also paid tribute to her family for the support they had given her.

During her whirlwind visit on Tuesday, she popped into the Dover Mercury office in Church Street to thank us for the publicity we have given her during her meteoric rise to fame.

“Thanks for all the nice stories you have written about me,” said Joss. “I’m really enjoying what I am doing.”

And after posing for a photo in the Market Square and going to Somerfield supermarket for a quick bit of shopping, it was off to spend more time with her family before preparing to return to the States.

With her for the visit was her brother Daniel, who was also born in Dover and went to Barton Junior School. He now works for his father Richard’s fruit-packing business in Devon.

She also called in to see Mike McFarnell, organiser of the Dover Pageant, to wish him well with the event this Sunday. Astor College student Rudie Edwards will be performing as Joss at the pageant.