A HOMELESS man who has gained celebrity status via a social networking website was invited to cut the ribbon of pottery shop, Crackpots Ceramics Cafe.

Chris Berry, who can regularly be seen dancing on Chester Road, Walton, was asked to make the official opening of the paint-your-own pottery shop in The Bridge Shopping Centre, Knutsford Road, Latchford, last Thursday after more than 4,000 people joined the Facebook group that was created in his honour.

Crowds gathered and passing cars saluted the event with the customary three beeps to greet Chris as he made a special appearance in Latchford.

The social networking group that has been named ‘Fans of the crazy dancing man of Chester Road, Warrington’, was joined by thousands of members in its first month, more than twice as many as groups dedicated to some of the Warrington Wolves players.

Alison Reed, owner of Crackpots, said: “I’ve known Chris for some time and he’s a complete legend. Not many people know, but Chris loves drawing, painting and music, so he was the obvious choice to open Crackpots.”

In June’s police newsletter, Insp Sarah Edgar of Warrington’s South Neighbourhood Policing Unit expressed concern for Chris’s lifestyle and personal safety.