A spoonful of charm, a dollop of knowledge and a pinch of humour.

These were the winning ingredients for Gordon Ramsay as the celebrity chef delighted his fans on a visit to the district yesterday.

The television personality, renowned for his spicy language and hot temper in the kitchen, was in jovial mood as he signed copies of his autobiography, Humble Pie.

Hundreds queued outside Asda in Pudsey to meet him, have pictures taken and get their books signed.

It gave Ramsay the chance to offer advice to budding young chefs, impress mothers with his charm and cooking knowledge and amuse fathers with his down-to-earth sense of humour.

The Scotsman, who received an OBE in July, is best known as the star of television shows such as Ramsay's Kitchen Night-mares and the F-Word.

Excited sisters Cheryl and Carrie Thompson, of Great Horton, Bradford, had been looking forward to meeting him for days.

Carrie, 16, said: "We were the first here and we waited outside in the freezing cold.

"My sister had been jumping around the house with excitement.

"My camera wouldn't work first time so I had to go back again to get a picture with him, but he didn't mind.

"I think he's really fit. He asked me if I had a boyfriend and told me I'd got nice hair."

Caroline Robinson, of Standale Crescent, Pudsey, went to get a book signed for her six-year-old son James, who was at school.

She said: "My son absolutely adores him and wants to be the next Gordon Ramsay. He helps me in the kitchen all the time.

"Gordon told me to tell him to keep up the good work because he needs some competition."

Andrea Verhoeven, of Pudsey, said: "It's nice to be able to come to see someone you would not normally come into contact with.

"He said my daughter Violet is very beautiful. She is just one year old."

Lee and Emma Burrill, of Stanningley, took their five-day-old daughter Olivia. Emma said: "We have been dying to meet him. He said our daughter was gorgeous.

"He said if you think you've got your hands full now, wait until you've got four children, like he has. I've got two, so I'm halfway there."

Ramsay joins an ever-growing list of stars to visit the Pudsey store.

In the last year, shoppers have also enjoyed book signings by football hero Paul Gascoigne, boxer Amir Khan and television presenter Graham Norton, among others.

Sandra Deakins, the store's events co-ordinator, said: "It's the seventh we have done and they have always been a success.

"Gordon has proved to be a big attraction and a really fun guy, especially the way he treats the young babies."

e-mail: will.kilner@bradford.newsquest.co.uk