A Brief History of Professor Stephen Hawking's visit to Ludlow

The world famous theoretical physicist visited Ego's Kitchen and Wine Bar for Sunday lunch along with four friends to the delight of surprised staff.

Jourdan Powell, waitress at Ego's, said: "We weren't sure it was him to begin with, though we heard someone calling him Stephen.

"Eventually we heard someone call him Professor Hawking and we just couldn't believe it."

Professor Hawking enjoyed a soup to start, followed by a Phen Side fishery board for his main course.

Miss Powell added: "He seemed to be having a really nice time.

"There was a lot of laughter coming from the table. It seemed like every time he spoke he was cracking a joke".

No strangers to celebrity guests, Ego's was often frequented by Jude Law when he was in the area.

Now the team at Ego's can add one of the world's most eminent academics to their list of patrons.

"Professor Hawking isn't the only famous guest we've had, but he is my opinion the greatest", said Miss Powell.

"I was hoping some of his genius would rub off on me".

During his visit to Ludlow, Professor Hawking posed for photos with several passers-by.

Habib Malik-Mansell said: "It was very surreal just standing next to him.

"Everyone who saw him was very starstruck".

Author of the international best-seller A Brief History of Time, Professor Hawking has led a scientific career without parallel.

He held the post of Lucasian Professor at Cambridge University from 1979 to 2009, a position previously held by Sir Issac Newton.

In 1963, Hawking tragically developed motor neurone disease.

Never allowing his degenerative condition to hold him back, Hawking has risen to the top of his profession, becoming one of the most respected scientific minds in the world.

He was awarded a CBE in 1982 and to date has over a dozen honorary degrees.