SHOWBIZ legend Danny La Rue - one of Britain's most popular and prolific entertainers - brightened up the day when he made a special guest appearance in Basingstoke on Saturday.

The television, film, theatre and cabaret star came along to the G Wheeler Lighting Showroom shop in Coronation Road to help celebrate the fact that 40 years of business is being continued by the new owners - Martin Boyle and Ray Jenkins, both former electrical contractors.

Customers flocked to the shop to meet 74-year-old Danny in person, have their photograph taken with him and enjoy the free drinks and snacks laid on for the occasion.

Danny, a good friend of the pair who took over the shop in January, said: "I'm so fond of Basingstoke. I was one of the first people to play in the marvellous theatre here.

"The people here have always made me very welcome."

Able to find the time to come to Basingstoke before starting a run of 40 concerts, Danny added: "Entertaining keeps me young and stimulates my mind and I'm always happy to do things for friends."

Reflecting on a successful day, Martin said: "There's been more people in the showroom today than there has for a long time."