PRINCE William propped open the door of a Kirkby Lonsdale paper shop while a couple of mates bought lottery tickets.

Delighted Saturday shoppers at HT Newsagents, in the town's Main Street, were staggered to see the "smiling and courteous" young man who greeted them as they went in and out of the tiny shop was none other than the heart-throb royal.

Owner Helen Teasdale said she couldn't have been more disappointed not to have been around when the prince made his impromptu weekend visit to the old market town.

"He just stood holding the door as a couple of friends came inside to buy lottery tickets," said Mrs Teasdale. "It was all very low-key. I think there was a bodyguard around.

"He chatted to people as they came in and out. It's only a little, narrow shop and people squeezed past him. A couple of the little old ladies were over the moon and said how wonderful he was. It seems everyone recognised him."

It is understood Prince William was a weekend guest of Lord Shuttleworth, at nearby Leck Hall, who was holding a shooting party. Lord Shuttleworth was not available for comment.

Whether or not HRH's friends were two of the lucky winners who scooped a shared £17 million National Lottery jackpot in Saturday's draw is not known.

The surprise royal call followed a flying visit by Princes William and Harry to Burton-in-Kendal motorway services in September, when the younger brother bought 40 Marlboro Lights, a packet of Skittles and a Mars drink.