HE'S travelled the world in 80 days and from pole to pole, he's sought the Holy Grail with Monty Python, and he's sung the praises of buttered scones and Spam.

But what Michael Palin really wants for Christmas is a black pudding from Clitheroe!

He said he would love to find one of the delicacies from Cowman's Sausage Shop in the bottom of his Christmas stocking.

The star was asked to form a celebrity Christmas stocking for auction for Macmillan Cancer Relief, and Cliff Cowburn from the sausage shop was more than happy to send some to him.

Cliff, owner of Cowman's, said: "When I was contacted at the shop last week I was amazed. Michael Palin is a megastar and I never knew he liked what we made.

"Unless Michael Palin was wearing a balaclava and a massive overcoat, we have not seen him in the shop. But he must have had one because I don't think he would have heard of us in London.

"I have been told he was given one when he stayed in Clitheroe some years ago. It makes me feel very proud to think that someone such as him would want our black puddings."

The puds will take their place in Michael Palin's stocking along with Sheffield Wednesday tickets, a massage session at the £400-a-night Mandarin Hotel in Bangkok, a set of oil paints and a video of Singing In The Rain.

Everything Mr Palin put on his festive wish list has been obtained and the whole stocking package will go under the hammer at the Savoy Hotel, London on December 5, along with 37 other stockings from celebrities including Nicole Appleton from All Saints, Boyzone's Keith Duffy and Stephen Gately and celebrity chef Anthony Worrall-Thompson.

Michael Palin said: "When I visited Clitheroe I sampled one of Cowman's black puddings and it was the best I have ever eaten. I would definitely like one of those for Christmas."

The puddings will be sent down on the day of the auction to ensure freshness and the celebrity's choice is a great boost to a shop already preparing for a Christmas bonanza.

Cliff said he expects to sell up to two-and-a-half tons of sausages -- the product for which the shop is more famous -- along with 100 pounds of black pudding, every week until Christmas.

Picture: Cliff Cowburn with black puddings that tickled the taste buds of celebrity world traveller Michael Palin (inset).