LAST minute Christmas shoppers in Atherton town centre included some famous faces who said they had stopped off on the way to Madonna's wedding!

Locals blinked in disbelief as Prince Charles and comedy screen character Basil Fawlty strolled around town as part of the festive fun arranged to promote shopping in town.

Lookalikes Charles Haslett and Edmund Wells assumed the mantle of the heir to the throne and the crazy roles of hotelier Basil and harassed and bullied waiter Manuel. Glutton for punishment Mr Haslett gleefully performed the dual role of the Prince and Manuel.

Escorted by angel Annette Root, the Wigan borough partnership's town centre co-ordinator, the chauffeur-driven duo rolled in to town in a luxury limo provided by Colin Shaw Cars of Bolton.

As the convincing VIPs mingled with shoppers outside the Co-op store in Market Street before embarking on a fun-packed tour of the shops.

Asked what he thought of Atherton's architecture the Prince glanced approvingly at the Grade Two listed parish church of St John at the end of the main street.

"It's wonderful, original stonework I should think," he said to a fascinated audience which included town centre champion and local councillor Sue Loudon.

Prince Charles had to leave -- "off to Madonna's wedding" he said, declining Basil's invite to stay for lunch. The duo drove off together and a little later Manuel and Basil returned to take in a tour of the town's eateries.

The fun day in the Christmas sun -- arranged as part of the morale boosting Atherton Building Communities programme organised with regeneration budget backing -- was appreciated by locals.