STAFF and regulars at a Stourport hotel had a shock when former England footballer Jack Charlton checked in on Saturday night.

Mr Charlton, who was on his way to Cardiff for the Liverpool and Birmingham City Worthington Cup final, spent two hours at The Swan Hotel, High Street, chatting, signing autographs and posing for photographs.

Without realising it, the former Leeds United player and Republic of Ireland manager stayed over at a place owned by his former Irish Football Association colleague Joe Delaney.

Mr Delaney's personal assistant Kelle Parsons said: "Jack and his son John first went to Hartlebury Travel Lodge but it was full.

"Word got around that he was in the bar and everyone was getting autographs and pictures with him.

"Jack was really understanding about it and was really nice."