OXFORD-born actor Patrick Mower dropped in to a bingo hall to lend a hand with calling the numbers in 1977.

The star of cop show Target was visiting the Regal in Cowley Road to present cheques to two lucky winners.

Mr Mower, who lived in Ridgefield Road, Oxford, said he used to sneak in to the hall when he was a child.

When he returned to the club he was watched by his proud mum Peggy Johnson who still lived close by and played at the bingo club most afternoons and some evenings.

Nellie Stockford, of Yarnton, who was presented her £500 cheque by Mr Mower, said: "It was wonderful to meet him but I was more nervous than when I called house."

Mr Mower had just returned from a holiday in Spain and was about to produce a film of his own before starting filming a new series of Target.

The BBC series was cancelled in 1978.