The former king and queen of morning television drew an enormous crowd when they visited a Chelmsford bookshop.

Hundreds queued for a glimpse of Richard Madeley and Judy Finnigan and to get a signed copy of the couple's autobiography.

Author Joyce P Fitch was at the front of the queue to hand over a signed copy of her own book, Hatfield Peverel in Old Picture Postcards volume one, at the Ottakars bookstore signing.

Mrs Fitch, who has written several books on the history of the village, went to the front of the queue at the book signing yesterday

She arranged the special meeting to give Richard a copy of her book, which has a photo of what was on the grounds of The Blue Strawberry bistro before it was built. He was dining there in May this year when he choked on a piece of meat.

Published Wednesday August 21, 2002

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