The celebrity chefs were in Waterstone's in Bridge Street, Peterborough, yesterday to sign copies of their book, The Hairy Bikers' Food Tour of Britain, inspired by their BBC2 show.

In the saddles of their trusty motorbikes, they travelled an incredible 15,000 miles from Aberdeenshire to Cornwall, to visit 30 of the 86 counties in the British Isles. The life-long foodies cooked each county's signature dish in front of an audience - but Cambridgeshire didn't make it on to their culinary map of Britain.

In a bid to tempt them with local recipes and prove the county was worthy of a mention, Waterstone's teamed up with the Packhorse pub, in Northborough, near Peterborough, to give the bikers, Dave Myers and Si King, a taste of regional cuisine.

Head chef Simon Pollendine, with the help of Moor Farm Meats, in Newborough, served the bikers oxtail soup, free range rump of lamb and Cambridge burnt cream.

He said: "This is the perfect opportunity for them to come to Peterborough and see what we can do, food-wise."

Sisters Rita Crowther (61), from Stamford, Ellen Strudwick (62) and Susan Crowson (58), from Nottingham Way, Peterborough,, were among those who lined up to see their idols.

Rita said: "We are all very big fans. They make us laugh and do something a little bit different. They were very charming and interested in us being sisters."

Susan added: "I think they should do another tour and include Cambridgeshire this time."

Jed Van Kleef (44) from Grafham Water, near Huntingdon, was first in the queue. He said it was their "down to earth" manner that appealed.

He said: "They are not pretending to be big chefs - it is all about basic, everyday cooking."

Lorraine White (41), of Woodhurst Road, Stanground, has been a fan of the pair for more than two years.

She said: "We have a supper club with our friends, where we all try different recipes.

"I am going to ask them for tips on desserts.

"I like the comedy aspect to them, and the fact they visit lots of different countries."