He is the longest-serving and one of the most popular members of the cast of a British TV institution - and 44 years ago today shoppers got the chance to meet the man who plays Ken Barlow.

Actor William Roache, who has been a mainstay of Coronation Street since it was first broadcast in 1960, was in our area to open a new TV rental shop owned by the original makers of the soap, Granada.

A Watford Observer photographer snapped the TV legend happily chatting to customers at the opening on July 14, 1979, and posing for pictures with staff.

Watford Observer: The actor was opening a Granada TV Rental shopThe actor was opening a Granada TV Rental shop (Image: Watford Observer)

Were you one of the customers who got to meet Ken Barlow that day?

We hope you enjoy looking through these pictures from our archive.

Watford Observer: Customers queued to meet the TV starCustomers queued to meet the TV star (Image: Watford Observer)

Watford Observer: The actor posed for pictures with members of staff.The actor posed for pictures with members of staff. (Image: Watford Observer)

Watford Observer: This customer was pleased to meet the man who plays Ken BarlowThis customer was pleased to meet the man who plays Ken Barlow (Image: Watford Observer)

Watford Observer: The TV star opened the shop on this day 44 years ago.The TV star opened the shop on this day 44 years ago. (Image: Watford Observer)