A VISIT from a television sensation increased the number of shoppers in the Alhambra by more than 10 per cent last weekend as fans flocked from across Yorkshire to get a glimpse of their idol.

CBeebies favourite, Mr Bloom visited the Alhambra as part of the centre's summer garden party to educate all the little 'tiddlers' of the importance of nature and to explore the environment around them.

Ben Faulks (aka Mr Bloom) gave two special performances for the crowds where he was encouraging young people to get their hands dirty and grow their own food.

Alhambra marketing manager, Steph Higham said: "Mr Bloom helped increase customer numbers by 10.3 per cent compared to the same Saturday a year ago which is fantastic given that year on year national figures show a decline in shopping centre numbers as consumers lean towards spending online."