Gardening great Alan Titchmarsh dropped in to York as he promoted his blossoming career as a novelist.

Alan was at Borders Bookshop signing copies of his latest book Animal Instincts, the doubtlessly gripping story of which revolves around a British nature reserve.

Though the gentlemen in the queue for autographs may have been disappointed that Titchmarsh's Ground Force co-star Charlie Dimmock was not on hand, there was still an impressive turnout of fans.

A spokesman for Borders said: "Considering the floods, the turnout was excellent. We were very, very pleased."