The new season of dotcom walks has been quite literally heralded in by a TV star.

Fresh from his appearance on BBC2’s “Great British Railway Journey's” Blackpool’s town crier, Barry McQueen was on hand to entertain the group in Longridge.

Barry regaled the group at the Derby Arms, Thornley, near Longridge with a rendition of the music hall song “Mr Bradshaw’s Guide” which he performed for Michael Portillo on the documentary.

He also declaimed birthday greetings to Alice Hesketh, a diner at the Derby who was celebrating her 80th birthday with her niece, Elizabeth.

Barry was at the popular pub to entertain a party of retired postal workers when he met the Dotcom walkers who had just completed a route and were enjoying lunch.

Group member Chris McCann said:“Obviously we knew who he was instantly. Nearly all of us had seen him on telly the previous night.”

“He did cheer us up,” said Don Beal, another walker in the group. “Some of us were down in the dumps when we couldn’t get out last week because of the weather. So to be entertained by a famous celebrity after a brilliant lunch has given our new season a terrific launch.”