Celebrity gardener and talk show host Alan Titchmarsh visited Shrewsbury to take afternoon tea with some of his fans.

The Yorkshireman entertained more than 60 people who packed into The Gallery tearooms yesterday afternoon.

“It’s lovely to see you all,” he said after being greeted with a cheer as he entered the room.

Alan was in the town to carry out a book signing for his newest novel, Folly, but had time for a cup of tea and a sandwich while he chatted to the gathered crowd.

He answered questions about his career during the afternoon and admitted to having been inspired by a certain Shropshire gardener.

“My childhood hero was Percy Thrower and he was a great friend in the end,” he said.

“I’ve just followed in dear old Percy’s footsteps and I’m very lucky to do so.”

Alan’s stories have so far taken him from his native Yorkshire to West Wales via Oxford and Bath, and he said there was a possibility that a future novel could be set in Shropshire.

“I always write about places I love and I don’t see why not Shropshire or Shrewsbury. It hasn’t been used enough in fiction I think,” he said.

Sheila Cliff, 70, travelled from Wem. She said: “I always have a cup of tea with him every afternoon when he’s on the telly, so it’s nice to have a cup of tea in the flesh.” 

Folly by Alan Titchmarsh is available to buy now priced at £18.99 and published by Hodder & Stoughton.