MICHAEL Palin’s biggest fan couldn’t believe her luck when she won the Oxford Mail’s competition to meet the Monty Python star on Tuesday.

Heather Morris, from Old Marston, was “over the moon” when she heard that she had been picked to meet Mr Palin after entering a competition in the Mail’s new Friday Life supplement.

He came to Oxford for a literary lunch to promote his new book, The Truth, at the Randolph Hotel.

Mrs Morris, 63, said: “He is my favourite person ever and I was so happy that I had won.

“He was also absolutely charming.”

Mrs Morris took her husband David along with her.

Her prize included a drinks reception, a two-course dinner, the opportunity to meet Mr Palin and a signed copy of his book.

Mrs Morris said; “I grew up watching Monty Python and I just find him hilarious. My husband knows he’s my number one.

“I especially like his old TV series Ripping Yarns and I’ve read the script book dozens of times.”

Before the lunch at 12.30pm, Mrs Morris was taken to privately meet Mr Palin and have her photograph taken with him. She said: “I had a cuddle with him for a photo and it felt great.

“He’s actually just how I imagined. He’s very down to earth and funny.”

The lunch included coq au vin with a summer berry pudding.

Mr Palin entertained guests by reading extracts from his 1984 book, Dr Fegg’s Encyclopaedia of All World Knowledge, after the dinner and a document about his grandfather’s relationship with a student at the University of Oxford.

He also read excerpts from his book, The Truth, which was published last year and is now out in paperback.

Speaking about the book, which is based around a journalist writing a biography on an influential activist in India, Mr Palin said: “I’ve always enjoyed creating characters, whether it’s playing them or writing them.

“I like the dynamic of trying to get them to say what you want them to say whilst allowing them a life of their own.”

Mr Morris, 71, retired, who is also a fan of Mr Palin’s work, said: “The lunch was perfect and Mr Palin is a charming man.

“He’s one of those people who just puts you at ease, cracking jokes and making everyone feel welcome.”

See Friday Life in tomorrow’s Oxford Mail