A book signing session by celebrity chef Clarissa Dickson Wright was cancelled after a bomb scare.

The author, famous for the Two Fat Ladies television series and her pro-hunting stance, was due to appear at Hammicks Bookshop in Horsham but the event was scrapped following the scare.

Part of Horsham town centre was sealed off yesterday morning while the area around West Street and Carfax was checked. No device was found.

Later in the day, police held animal rights protesters at bay at a second signing at Halycon Bookshop in Haywards Heath.

The session was moved to the first floor and passed off without incident.

Ms Dickson Wright signed copies of her book Clarissa And The Countryman, co-written with Johnny Scott, which explores the relationship between field sports and countryside residents.

A Hammicks store manager said: "We have been bombarded with all sorts of nasty calls and threats since the weekend.

"After this morning's bomb scare we decided to cancel the event. I know people have issues but this was taken too far."

Helen Kennedy, who co-owns the Halcyon book shop, said: "We had quite a group outside, carrying banners and making insulting remarks about Clarissa but it went off without any violence."

About 15 protesters gathered at the Haywards Heath session, shouting "Shame on you" as shoppers went in to buy the book. Miss Dickson Wright said afterwards: "I get a little bored with them threatening to kill me.

"I have a special branch officer looking after me.

"In the past, I used to try and have a dialogue with them but now I feel it is not worth it."

The incidents have been condemned by The Countryside Alliance and League Against Cruel Sports.