Watch Taskmaster host Greg Davies bring laughs at chaotic Christmas raffle draw in Wem

He was only due to pull out the first three names, but with 70 prizes up for grabs, The Taskmaster proved he was up to the challenge and stayed for nearly an hour to complete the draw.

Local fans of the Wem-raised comedian packed into the back room of the leisure centre for the draw, clapping and cheering as he entered.

But as the names were picked out, the cheers turned to silence, as every person drawn to win a prize turned out not to be in attendance.

However, not to be deterred, the Man Down star defiantly insisted: "I'm happy to stay here for the rest of my life if I have to."

Laughs were had when the celebrity guest dropped tickets on the floor and when a bloke called Darren won a set of ladies' earrings.

Top prizes included a year's membership to the leisure centre, festive hampers, meals at local restaurants and bottles of wine.

But there were also a number of unusual prizes, including a couple of reindeer costumes for dogs, a mens' shaving set won by a woman called Sue, "mystery meat" from Wem Butchers won by a woman known only as "Pat", and a ladies' silk scarf - won by a man called Tim.

The cheer of the day though came when finally, a winner was in attendance. Rachel Fitton scooped two home made scones and tea for two. When her name was drawn she piped up: "I'm here," to raucous cheers.

It was all in good fun, and after the draw, Greg told the Shropshire Star what the swimming centre means to him.

"When I was a kid I was a very weedy, asthmatic child, and I was awful at all sport, and pretty much awful academically to be honest," he said.

"But I was quite good at one thing as a child and it was swimming. For some reason it didn't affect my asthma and I could swim well.

"Bob and Linda Larby used to run this place and Bob noticed that I could swim alright. I was faster than most, so he offered to train me. I used to come here every week and he would train me for nothing."

He added: "I didn't have a glorious (swimming) career to be honest, but I did swim for the county a couple of times and that was all thanks to Bob.

"This place was important for me as a kid. It was such a hub for me and my mates. I heard a few years ago it was at risk of closing down and I was horrified but they've turned it round and they've even added a gym now.

"It's such a great facility and I'm so pleased it's going strong."

Greg was invited via his mum Pauline, who still lives in Wem and was in attendance at the raffle, by Kim Clifford, from the Friends of Wem Pool group, which tries to help raise funds for the charity-run facility.

"We're very thankful that he's agreed to do this," said Karen Creagh, general manager of the swimming centre, who said energy bills are expected to rocket to £9,500 next year. "Having a celebrity along raises the profile."

Wem councillor Ed Towers added: "He's a great sport. He gives back to Wem. It's been a great morning."