A SURPRISE celebrity visitor dropped into a Pickering business recently.

Comedian, actor and singer Brian Conley visited Pickering Antiques to browse the shop and make a purchase.

Owner Mark Witherington said: "A little light relief from the hum drum of politics in the news. We recently had a visit from TV celebrity comedian , actor and singer Brian Conley.

"He spent around half an hour in our shop and we talked about both collecting antiques and collectables as well as his varied career.

"Brian explained how his father was a traditional London Black Cab driver many years ago and he spotted a model black cab in our window.

"He said 'I will take that please Mark as it reminds me of my dad'. It struck a chord as I was a chauffeur in London many years ago.

"Brian was staying in Pickering with his family prior to filming a celebrity TV show. It was great meeting him and what a nice guy he is too."