A mystery parcel apparently containing a top Hollywood star's red satin knickers almost caused a caf owner to choke on his coffee.

Nigel Ryan was amazed to open the package to find the saucy briefs bearing the signature of actress Gwyneth Paltrow.

There was no explanation accompanying the underwear but he believes they genuinely came from Gwyneth, who recently visited his cafe in Ardingly.

The Oscar-winning star of Shakespeare In Love and Sliding Doors made a flying visit to The Gallery caf.

Mr Ryan, 47, said: "I didn't recognise her at first, I did a double take. But then we got chatting."

Over a slice of banoffee pie, the pair talked about The Gallery, an art gallery and caf.

They also discussed a charity Mr Ryan was involved with before Miss Paltrow left, taking one of his business cards.

Mr Ryan said: "That was the last I expected to hear of her. I forgot all about it until I received the knickers in the post."

The pants were signed with a heart and "love, Gwyneth Paltrow".

Mr Ryan believes the star, whose boyfriend is Coldplay singer Chris Martin, sent them to help raise funds for the bowel cancer charity they discussed.

According to Mr Ryan, the 31-year-old actress favours medium-sized knickers from the Elle McPherson Intimates lingerie range.

He was so proud of the gift he framed the knickers and put them on display at the caf, known locally as The G Spot.

He plans to auction them for the Beating Bowel Cancer charity.

Mr Ryan became involved with the charity through his friend Lynn Faulds Wood, the former BBC Watchdog presenter who contracted bowel cancer 12 years ago.

He has also donated some of his artwork to the charity.

He said: "I'm a huge fan of Gwyneth's and she is as beautiful in real life as she is on screen.

"It all happened so fast. One minute she was in the shop eating banoffee pie and drinking coffee and the next she was gone."

She had been travelling between Brighton and London when she stopped for refreshments.

When contacted by The Argus, her publicists were unable to confirm whether she had sent the knickers.

The Gallery, which opened last summer, is no stranger to celebrities.

Customers include Radio 1 DJ Trevor Nelson and Mid Sussex MP Nicholas Soames.

Anyone wishing to place a bid for the underwear should call at The Gallery in Street Lane, before December 10.

For more information, call Mr Ryan on 01444 892561.