Royston shoppers would be forgiven for doing a double take on Saturday when a familiar face pitched up his stall in Market Place.

Veteran campaigner Terry Hutt, who moved away last year, came back to Royston to collect signatures for his petition to save the old pier at Weston-super-Mare in Somerset, where he now lives.

The 80-year-old said: “It went really well, it poured down with rain but to my surprise people turned up to see me.

“I’ve managed to get 50,000 signatures now for the campaign, and the last few came from Royston.

“A few people gave me a hug and said they were pleased to see me. I was pleased to see them, too.

“People seem to die off but there’s quite a few still going. I know I’ll make it to 100 – I’ll be here, there and everywhere fighting for people’s rights.

“They would like me to come back. I do miss some of the old people, but as you get older, you’ve got to move on. I don’t lose touch because I’ve still got family living in and around Royston.”

Terry also took part in the Remembrance march during his visit to Royston and attended a family christening.

During his time in the town, Terry campaigned on a number of issues such as public toilets, Royston Hospital, disabled access and free public transport for the elderly.

Terry is a staunch royalist and camped outside St Mary’s Hospital waiting for the birth of both Prince George and Princess Charlotte.