A pub in North Cumbria welcomed a visit from a notable TV celebrity.

Richard Hammond drove to the Old Crown in Hesket Newmarket to enjoy a drink, and was game for a few photos taken by staff and customers during the visit.

The 53-year-old former Top Gear presenter drove to the pub, which also has its own brewery, for a pint of Hesket Real Ale.

Pub tenant Helen Mumberson said: “It was really good, he just turned up with a friend of his who lives in the Buttermere area, and I believe he also lives in Buttermere.

“He came in an old black Riley car, just dead casual, walked in and got his beers, went and sat down with a couple of lads who were on motorbikes, and they ended up chatting to both of them.

“I didn’t want to bother hm or anything as I bet it’s annoying being well known and not being able to do normal things, so I just left him to it, but he was very accommodating and didn’t shy away from taking photos, and he agreed to take one at the bar.

“I know one of the locals had been on a train coming up from London and he had been on the same train, and he was also very accommodating there for a photo, but I imagine you’d feel very awkward.

“There aren’t that many famous people around here, but we’ve had Owen Teale from Game of Thrones who came in for a drink a few years ago, and we’ve also had footballer Gary Owen come in.”

On her pub’s charm, she said: “Anyone that comes always says it’s a real pub, but they also say that it’s a proper pub.

“It’s got a nice bar, we’ve got our own brewery and we sell good beer, it’s old world, and it hasn’t changed majorly over the decades, and remains very friendly.

“No one made a big thing about him being here, he just came in and had his beers.

“Anyone can come in, if you walks in with wellies, shiny shoes, or slippers, you’re welcome.”