CELEBRITY spotter Bruce Robertson is revealing his tips for hunting the stars in a book based on 200 encounters with the rich and famous.

Prince Charles, Sir Anthony Hopkins, Sir Cliff Richard, Kylie Minogue and controversial boxer Mike Tyson have all met Bruce, 44, from Caldicot, and were happy to pose for a photo and autograph souvenirs.

Bruce said: "People keep asking me how I did it, and why. I've met over 200 people so I could go on forever - but it's better to put it in a book.

"I love the challenge of finding these people and meeting them. Getting past security and finding out where they stay isn't easy.

"Mike Tyson is one of my favourites as people told me it was impossible to meet him, but I did it."

The celebrity chasing first started in a shop in Usk, where Bruce spotted Irish hellraiser Peter O'Toole working on a film. He dashed home for his camera and a unique hobby was born.

Since then Bruce, whose day job is a service manager with Monmouthshire council, has spent many hours waiting at hotels and theatres to meet celebrities.

He said: "The main thing is perseverance, but there are all sorts of tricks.

"Ask taxi drivers - they know where stars are staying. Walk into the hotel as if you are staying there and get the star before they come out to face any crowds. Don't bother asking the bodyguards, they'll always say 'no'.

"In Cardiff, I met Kylie as I knew that she would leave her hotel in the afternoon for a sound check.

"There were no other fans there - just me and my son Shane.

"She signed posters and a CD and we took photos. I couldn't fault the girl.

"But one out of a hundred will just refuse to do it. Ones that got away include Sir Paul McCartney and Meg Ryan."

Bruce's collection of autographs and star memorabilia is worth thousands, but he said he does it for the thrill, not the money.

He added: "I hope my book will help teenage girls meet Gareth Gates. I've already met six new stars for volume two."

How To Meet The Famous is available from local bookshops or on www.amazon.co.uk

* In the picture: Bruce Robertson with signed shorts of boxer Lennox Lewis.