HUNDREDS of people queued to meet the queen of baking at a Basingstoke bookshop today.

Mary Berry chatted to fans and signed copies of her new book Mary Berry’s Absolute Favourites in Waterstones this afternoon.

A queue started forming outside the bookshop in Festival Place over an hour before the 1pm signing with the Great British Bake Off judge.

The 79-year-old has released the book to tie-in with a new six-part BBC Two television series, in which she will reveal the secrets of her very favourite food.

Fans posed for pictures with Mary, who was wearing a pretty floral jacket, and chatted to her during the signing.

Marilyn Botham, 60, from Popley, queued for around an hour to meet the television star.

The mother-of-two and grandmother-of-five said: “I love her recipe books. The recipes are wonderful.”

Vikki Clifford, 30, from Popley, also had her book signed by Mary.

The mother-of-three said: “I love Mary! I have been a fan for quite a few years. Her recipes are amazing and she’s quite natural and friendly. She’s like your nan. She comes across as just being friendly and lovely. She told me to have a nice day.”