MICHAEL Palin has urged fans not to attend his book signings in Sussex next week - so he can explore.

The veteran broadcaster will appear in two Waterstones bookshops in support of the release of his book Travelling to Work, in paperback.

The 72-year-old said: "I was in Lewes for my 70th birthday. My office had arranged for me to go for a day out at Charleston (home of the Bloomsbury group) and we went to Lewes afterwards for a pub lunch. It was lovely, a really lovely town but we had no time to explore.

"The problem with these book signing events is that you get dropped off at the bookshop and then whisked away at the end. I'm not going to be able to explore, unless of course nobody turns up..."

Sheffield born Palin has enjoyed a varied career having co-written and starred in Monty Python before going on to make numerous award-winning travelling documentaries.

He has also published a number of bestselling diaries. Travelling to Work, which he is promoting on this tour, documents the making of his early travel programmes including his breakthrough Around the World in 80 Days.

He said: "People perhaps don't realise but it was a nervous time for me. I had never done anything like it before and there was no guarantee it was going to be any good."

The diary also tells of his numerous tours and theatre performances around the country, including in Sussex.

Even The Argus gets a couple of mentions, notably in April 1994 when he bemoans a review of a show he had written.

The diary reads: "Start to read Terry Jones's 'Miracle Man' screenplay, in a taxi on way to Victoria , then on the train to Brighton and finally in my hotel room with its fine seaside view filtered through salt-caked windows.

"It makes better reading than the Brighton Argus, under whose encouraging headline 'Moaning Meldrew passes a tough test' lurks an irritatingly nit-picky review. Mourning the lack of silly walks and funny voices." He goes on to say the review left him feeling "deflated".

Twenty one years on he cannot remember the review but adds that buying The Argus was always his first go-to for reviews when in the city.

He said: "The Argus is at the heart of Brighton and I always want to know what the paper makes of shows. I love Brighton, there is always something going on there, it is a very lively place. I first saw Eddie Izzard there in the comedy festival."

Despite turning 73 next year, Palin is showing no signs of slowing down with acting, travelling and more tours planned for next year.

He added: "There are still plenty of things I want to and places I want to go before I hang my boots up."

Mr Palin will be in Chichester Waterstones in West Street, from 1pm and Lewes Waterstones in High Street, at 3.30pm, both on Wednesday.