THERE was a huge amount of support for one of the UK's best-loved TV chefs in an emotional appearance at the Malvern Spring Festival.

Simon 'Si' King, one half of the Hairy Bikers, took to the stage at the popular festival that is currently taking place at the Three Counties Showground in Malvern.

Mr King made an appearance at the Festival Theatre on Saturday, May 11, as hundreds of people gathered inside the marquee to listen to the TV chef.

The Malvern Spring Festival has seen thousands of people flock to Malvern for the four-day event, which champions transformative impacts of gardening on lives, communities and the planet.

Mr King made his way over from the Kitchen Garden Theatre to talk all things food, with the TV personality leaving the audience in hysterics at times.

It marked one of Mr King's first pubic appearances since the death of his Hairy Biker colleague Dave Myers, who passed away in February after a battle with cancer.

After answering questions from the floor, Mr King addressed the audience to thank them for their support since Mr Myers' death.

"Can I just say how grateful I am for all the words, love and support over the past six months," he said.

"It hasn't gone unnoticed and it has been a great source of strength for everybody involved with the Hairy Bikers, and particularly Dave's wife, Lily, and family. 

"Without you guys - you pay our wages - we're nothing, so thank you so very, very much."