CELEBRITY gardener Alan Titchmarsh caused female hearts to flutter when he visited a North-East bookstore yesterday.

The popular Ground Force and Gardener's World presenter, right, was at Ottakar's, in Darlington, to sign copies of his new novel, Rosie.

His presence prompted a rush of women to the shop, with avid fans joining the queue all afternoon to meet him.

He also thrilled staff member Viv Bulman, who was celebrating her birthday, by presenting her with a bouquet of flowers.

Store manager Dianne O'Neill said: "It was a really lovely feel-good afternoon.

"He was brilliant, really friendly with the customers and we had long queues, with women of all ages wanting to meet him."