A REALITY TV star has paid a surprise visit to a Clitheroe music shop.

David Gest, who was married to the American actress and singer Liza Minnelli and also appeared on the ITV1 show I’m a Celebrity ... Get Me Out of Here, popped into Townsend Records in Moor Lane, while visiting Kevin Horkin, a candidate for the role of Police Crime Commissioner.

Mr Gest, who was a close friend of Michael Jackson, was in the shop for around five minutes and picked up six chart CDs including one by American singer-songwriter Cee Lo Green.

Townsend Records manager Paul McGowan said: “He just walked in on Saturday afternoon – as soon as he walked in I knew it was him, you would know that face anywhere. I was pretty shocked.”

Mr McGowan said he treated Mr Gest like any other customer and chatted to him while he was paying for his records.

Mr McGowan said: “David said it was a nice shop and that we had a good selection of music. It was a bit bizarre but it was definitely a talking point.”

Mr Gest was visiting businessman and St Mary’s ward councillor Mr Horkin, who invited him to the area to attend athe Clitheroe Chamber of Trade Charity Ball in Gisburn.

Mr Gest took a look around some of the local shops before attending the black tie event, which was held at the Stirk House Hotel in Gisburn Road.

Mr Horkin said: “We have attended a couple of charity events together and I was delighted that David was able to attend the Clitheroe Chamber Of Trade Ball as my guest.”