Michael Jackson bought a Pan Am aluminium cast model aeroplane during a rare public outing yesterday (October 23rd).

Jackson was spotted at Off The Wall, an antiques store in West Hollywood which is named after his 1979 album.

The pop star was said to be in good spirits as he browsed the store before settling on the model plane.

A source told E!: "It was a little difficult because people were pounding on doors and windows...so he was in and out pretty quick. The paparazzi were in hot pursuit of him."

Jackson's appearance comes just days after tabloid reports claimed parents at a local Las Vegas school were concerned that the singer had moved in nearby.

Fans were said to have begun lingering outside his home. Jackson was acquitted of child molestation charges in 2005.

(by Jason Gregory)