HOLLYWOOD actor Hugh Jackman surprised staff at The Courtyard Dairy near Settle by popping in to buy some cheese.

The Wolverine star, who has been holidaying in the area with his family, stopped off at the cheese shop where he chatted with staff and bought a lot of cheese.

Owner, Andy Swinscoe said the star had been an 'absolute pleasure to serve' and had even laughed at his jokes.

"His family absolutely loves cheese and he likes to support small rural businesses where he can; he even laughed at my dodgy jokes about cutting cheese with his Wolverine blades," said Andy.

"He bought a lot of cheese, including Hebden Goat and Stone beck and spent a long time chatting, he loved the ethos of farm-made rural cheese."

The actor and his family had stayed overnight at the Steeton Hall Hotel, Steeton from where he enjoyed a walk along the Leeds and Liverpool Canal heading towards Skipton.

Angela Armitage, manager of Steeton Hall, said: "He was an absolute pleasure and a genuine down-to-earth guy.

"He booked a couple of weeks ago but we did not tell anyone. He came with his family so he wanted privacy."

Mrs Armitage said she understood the Australian star was visiting family and friends in Yorkshire and had been in London filming, but due to the writer's strikes, filming had been paused.

"He was so happy to take pictures with guests when he was on his own around the hotel. My daughter is pregnant and he was asking when she was due. He was interested in us and the village."