(Image: Exposure Photo Agency)
SHOPPERS were left disappointed after a visit by a celebrity chef to a Bradford supermarket did not pan out as they had hoped.
Earlier this month, the Telegraph & Argus reported that Ainsley Harriott was due to appear at the Morrisons in Thornbury between 11am and 2pm on Wednesday, August 19.
As a result, many fans flocked to the store in eager anticipation.
However, those responsible for promoting the event have now apologised after he appeared three and a half hours later then scheduled.
Somewhat ironically, the supermarket tour forms part of Ainsley Foods' 'Where's Ainsley?' campaign.
In this case, shoppers may well have been wondering where he had got to.
'We take full responsibility for that'
Claire Murgatroyd, managing director at Mighty & Kin, the PR agency supporting the event, said: "We’re really sorry that some people were disappointed following a change to Ainsley’s advertised appearance time.
"Timings had changed and unfortunately, there was an administrative error on our part in communicating the revised timings.
"We take full responsibility for that."
food
(Image: Exposure Photo Agency)
TV chef 'in no way responsible'
Mr Harriott arrived later in the day as scheduled under the revised timings.
The T&A understands his slot was pushed back to 2.30pm.
Ms Murgatroyd added: "Ainsley arrived at the time he had been briefed to attend and was in no way responsible for the confusion.
"He spent the week visiting stores across the North, meeting hundreds of shoppers who had come along to see him, and we know how much he values meeting people who have taken the time to come and see him.
“We sincerely apologise to those affected and hope that those who were able to stay got the chance to meet Ainsley when he arrived later that afternoon.”
'Where's Ainsley?' tour
His visit was part of a five-day supermarket tour across Yorkshire, Greater Manchester, and Lancashire spanning August 17 to August 21, where he planned to meet shoppers, share recipes, and hand out prizes.
During the tour, he handed out samples, shared tips for using his couscous range, and surprised one lucky shopper at each location with a £100 Morrisons voucher.
Goodie bags and other prizes were also up for grabs throughout the day.
'There's nothing better than chatting about food'
Mr Harriott previously said: "I'm looking forward to getting out and meeting shoppers in Yorkshire, Manchester, and Lancashire.
"There's nothing better than chatting about food, sharing a few recipe ideas and hopefully putting a smile on people's faces.
"Come along, say hello, try our delicious couscous and who knows... you might even leave with a little surprise."
The tour also included a charitable element, with Ainsley Foods donating £3,000 worth of food in each region to charities supported by Morrisons.