SINGER-SONGWRITER Will Young picked up a pair of antique bicycles - and a parking ticket - when he paid a visit to Hay-on-Wye last week.

Ranked as one of the most recognisable figures in British contemporary music, the 38-year-old was back in town after charming his audience at Hay Festival where he performed on stage with his band earlier this month.

Rumours quickly circulated that the affable singer, who rose to fame after his success in the 2002 ITV talent show, Pop Idol, was staying at a hotel in the town centre.

Word also had it that the award-winning star was spotted browsing in local antique shops – and that he may be about to settle in the area.

Later he dropped by at the 16th century riverside Bridge Inn, Michaelchurch Escley where he was warmly welcomed by staff.

Said pub owner, Glyn Bufton: "He was fantastic, such a nice bloke. He said he came to The Bridge because he had heard how amazing the food is, and what a stunning location we are in.”

The star agreed to pose with staff for a photograph taken on the bridge over the Escley, a tributary of the River Monnow.

During the afternoon, shoppers and visitors to Hay noticed Will driving a bright yellow customised van which was parked in the rear car park at Kilverts Inn and Hotel.

A spokesman for the Kilverts inn and Hay Tap said he was unable to confirm whether the celebrity was staying with them.

Earlier the star, nominated in 2013 for the Laurence Olivier Award for best actor in a musical after appearing in the London revival of the musical, Cabaret, had pulled up in a restricted public parking space in front of the hotel in Hay's Bull Ring.

One local man said the celebrity's van had exceeded the one-hour parking limit and received a parking ticket.

"What a shame for him, it probably wasn't a lot for him to pay, but for someone on a tight budget something like that could ruin their day out," he said.

It is understood that Mr Young bought two veteran bikes as a result of his trawl around Hay's antique shops.

The proprietor selling the bikes said that he was "extremely nice" and praised him for supporting local shops.

Businesses in and around town will be hoping that the singer does not follow the advice of one of his best-known songs in which he considers whether he should 'Leave right now'.