KNUTSFORD'S former MP Martin Bell paid a flying visit to town on Monday - to sign copies of his book.

But for those who turned up at Jardine's bookshop it was not just a chance to have their copy signed, but a chance to catch up with an old friend.

"It's nice to see him back in the town," said one. "He was always more than an MP to us and was there to meet the locals and talk to them about any issues or problems they needed resolving.

In fact residents who came to see the former war correspondent seemed to be more interested in what he had to say rather than his written words.

But that did not seem to bother Mr Bell who wore his trademark white suit for the occasion.

"It's nice to be back in Knutsford," he said.

"It's the first time I have been here and not been an MP so it's quite a strange feeling."

The former Independent MP - who defeated Neil Hamilton in the 1997 General Election - travelled from Scotland for the visit and signed copies of an updated version of An Accidental MP.

"I think people here will always give him a warm welcome and it's interesting to see what he's been up to since he left the town," said the former constituent.

When Mr Bell left Tatton in June he found himself unemployed for the first time.

But since moving to London he

has found plenty to do.

"I'm doing some writing for various newspapers and I am enjoying my role as an ambassador for Unicef," he said.

He has now settled into his new life in London but admitted that he missed the place he called home for four years.

"When I walk past the House of Commons I don't really feel anything," he said. "But when I drive past junction 19 on the motorway I always get a twinge in my stomach."

ssmith@guardiangrp.co.uk