EXCITEMENT levels among staff at a Gillingham supermarket went into overdrive this week – with the appearance of former Top Gear presenter, James May.

The star, who went on to co-host The Grand Tour alongside motoring sidekicks Richard Hammond and Jeremy Clarkson, was at Asda in Station Road on Tuesday (July 15).

Diana, the store’s community champion, said: “We had former former Top Gear presenter James May in store filming for his new show, James May’s Shed Load of Ideas.

“He lives relatively locally and we are his nearest Asda.

“He’s a lovely man who took time to have his picture taken with lots of customers and excited school children on their way to sports day.”

James May’s Shed Load of Ideas sees the maverick motoring expert – and self-acknowledged engineering nerd – attempt to solve many of “Britain’s bugbears” using ingenious engineering solutions.

Previous shows have seen May, 62, tackle problems including why your washing machine can’t double up as a cooker.

In June, digital channel Quest announced it had commissioned a new series of the show, which is being filmed now – including in Dorset.

May, known as ‘Captain Slow’ by his former co-hosts throughout the Top Gear series, is understood to own a home near Gillingham, and co-owns The Royal Oak pub, in Swallowcliffe, Wiltshire.

May, known on Top Gear and The Grand Tour as ‘Captain Slow’, posed with staff and customers during his visit to Asda in Gillingham. Pictures: Asda