ONE of the country's best-known TV funnymen has visited the Faithful City and recalled childhood memories of a previous visit to the city.

Frank Skinner amused the crowds with his typical wit, during the whistlestop visit to the city's Fairfield Centre, in Fairfields Close, to launch the new Bite Size Intros to learning campaign.

Balloon-waving parents, children from local schools, staff from the centre and fans flocked to greet the West Midlands boy-made-good as he arrived.

"I'm so excited at the thought of teaching Frank Skinner," said Lyn Tyler, responsible for learning at the Fairfield Centre.

"I wouldn't say I'm nervous because I have taught so many other people before, but it will be exciting teaching him in front of the cameras."

Frank arrived by helicopter at Worcester Racecourse, and was driven to the centre for a pottery lesson - one of the skills available when the courses start on Monday, May 12.

"My brother once took me fishing by Worcester Cathedral when I was younger, and it was fantastic with the mist coming down the Severn in the morning," he said.

"I still didn't catch anything though."

The man once voted rear of the year turned his hand to pottery on arrival - one of the skills available when the courses start on Monday, May 12.

He has not worked with clay before and was guided through the basics of creating an "Ugly Mug" - a mug with a warped face on it - in just five minutes.

"After just two minutes I really started to care how it would turn out," said the 46-year-old from Oldbury, near Birmingham.

"That's the thing with the Bite Size classes, you discover things you really enjoy and have talent for without necessarily thinking you would."

"I might be a fantastic matador for all I know, but because I've never tried, I'll never know. It gives you a chance to try things out without worrying or committing to them."

He had already visited Learning and Skills Councils (LSC) in Birmingham, where he attempted to learn "Urdu and Coventry", where his musical talents were stretched as a DJ.

"I haven't discovered hidden talent so far today, but being a DJ was interesting and something I have thought about trying for a few years.

"I'll certainly look to try it again," the ex-college lecturer said.