HE always wanted to tell us a story - and over the years Max Bygraves, pictured, has certainly told his fair share.

And he's still telling them at the age of 80.

The former TV star who was born near Tower Bridge in London was in Gwent this week promoting his new book and doing a few shows.

He arrived fresh from a show in Bournemouth where he celebrated his 80th birthday. The book - Stars in my Eyes - is about the people he got to know well in his career as a comedian.

Max was staying at the Cwrt Bleddyn Hotel near Usk this week, where he was joined for his four-day stint by wife Blossom, 80, and son Anthony, 50.

His hour long shows at the Usk hotel included songs from the 1940s, 50s and 60s, anecdotes about his life and, of course, some of his famous stories. Many of the people who turned up to see the shows came from the local area but there were also visitors from far away, including one party who travelled from Windsor.

Max told the Argus that during his stay he had managed to get out and about and had even gone to Newport Passport office where he signed some autographs.

But he said: "I couldn't do much sightseeing because of the show. Never in my life have I done a 1.30pm show but it's exciting and people have come from all around."

Max, who played in Newport's Pavilion theatre many years ago, said he decided to make the visit to Wales after being told about the beautiful countryside.

He said: "I was told I'd love it with the birds, flowers and river and it's just as I was told. It's a real treat to be here."

Although celebrating his 80th birthday, he has no intention of slowing down. He said: "The reason I work is because I enjoy it and cannot find anything more stimulating than going on stage and making people happy. It's been such a big part of my life - and I'm useless at DIY!"