The Bill's PC Tony Stamp made an arresting sight at the opening of a Wickford record store's complete home entertainment centre.
The TV policeman, otherwise known as actor Graham Cole, helped the launch at Adrians, in the High Street, get off to a flying start.
He signed copies of his new film Millennium Madness as well as handing out hundreds of autographed photos.
Adrian Rondeau, owner of Adrians, said: "The launch went very well and I think it cheered everyone up on the last Saturday before Christmas.
"When Graham went outside people swarmed around him. He was very popular."
Adrians has now doubled in size after taking on empty properties at its rear with 6,000 square feet of floor space.
You're nicked - Jade Keaney, eight, meets Bill actor Graham Cole
Picture: MAXINE CLARKE
Converted for the new archive on 19 November 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.
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