Funnyman Peter Kay delighted owners of a hotel by popping in for a surprise visit while on holiday - even ordering his trademark garlic bread.

The man behind such hits as P hoenix Nights, Max & Paddy's Road to Nowhere and Peter Kay's Car Share, made the impromptu appearance at the Townhead Hotel, Lockerbie, on Friday, to the amazement of owner Stephen Montgomery.

"He was heading up into Scotland for a few days break with his wife and kids. He was just in for a spot of lunch," Mr Montgomery said.

The comedian discovered the hotel through review website TripAdvisor after it was one of the most highly-ranked in the region.

"When he walked in we thought it can't be him... but it actually was," Mr Montgomery added.

"We've had a few well-known people in over the years but when someone like Peter Kay comes in it's really good. It certainly was a really good boost for the staff.

"He did crack a couple of jokes while he was here but we just treated him like any other customer.

"He was just very relaxed and he had a lovely family.

"He made time for anyone who wanted to speak with him while he was in which is really good.

"Afterwards he said if he was in the area again he would pop back in. Everyone was really friendly towards him. He did order garlic bread as well."

After the visit of the TV star Mr Montgomery put the picture of him meeting Peter Kay on the hotel's Facebook page. The post has attracted huge attention from people who use the social media site.

Yesterday Mr Montgomery said the post had gained 67,000 views online.

"It's unreal how far something like this can go when something like this goes up. Likes to our page have soared because of it," he added.

As well as his TV hits, Peter Kay has also made a huge impression on the live stand-up comedy scene. His early shows from the Blackpool Tower and Bolton Royal Albert Hall turned into record-breaking DVD sales.