Michael Palin drew in the crowds when he visited Sussex to promote his new book.

The former Monty Python star and world explorer signed hundreds of copies of his book, Michael Palin's Hemingway Adventure.

More than 150 of his fans queued up to meet their idol at Methven's bookshop in South Street, Worthing, yesterday.

Manager James Doyle said: "There was a great turnout and he was really happy with the reception he got. It was a real pleasure to have him here."

The funnyman then made his way to Ottakar's bookshop in Haywards Heath where he stayed for more than an hour and met nearly 200 of his loyal followers.

As well as signing copies of his book at both shops, He was also asked to autograph copies of his other travel books, Monty Python paraphernalia and videos of his successful comedy A Fish Called Wanda.

Ottakar's manageress Sian Williams said: "He was very nice and the visit was a great success."

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.