ENGLAND cricket hero Mike Atherton opened up to fans who braved rain to meet him at Ottakars bookshop in Dorchester.

Staff at the shop let people in to shelter from the ferocious weather before the former England and Lancashire star signed copies of his autobiography, Opening Up.

Ottakars senior assistant Adam House said: "It was a great success.

"Well over a hundred people came and the rain didn't seem to put them off at all."

The former England captain signed copies of his book as well as cricket memorabilia during the session.

He visited the Dorchester shop from 7-8pm last night on a whistlestop tour to promote his new book.

Ottakars also took reservations for 100 signed copies of the book from fans who couldn't attend last night.

Mr House added: "He carried on signing until the last trickles of people had gone. He said he was very pleased with the way it went."

The autobiography tells of the England legend's rise through the ranks to play for his home county of Lancashire and captain his country at the age of 25.

It includes brushes with the Australians and the ball tampering allegations of 1994 as well as his life at the crease in matches across the world.