VIDEO: Michael Palin in pole position to help mark Walsall leather firm's birthday
He has been to the corners of the earth on his well documented travels, but there was no place like Walsall for writer and Monty Python star Michael Palin.
The 72-year-old paid a visit to a luxury leather factory in the Black Country – a business which is very close to his heart.
In 2004, Whitehouse Cox in Walsall sent Palin a custom-made bag to use on his many travels.
Ever since, he has had a long lasting association with the historic firm that is celebrating 140 years of trade in 2015.
And last week he was the guest of honour at the company's 140th birthday celebrations at its factory at Anchor Brook Business Park in Aldridge and took a tour of the premises and chatted to staff.
He said: "I'm here because Whitehouse Cox supplied me with a new travel bag which I have used on my shows.
"They have been very helpful.
"They custom designed the bags for me so I was able to say I needed this and that and their products exactly fitted.
"They say they can put a pocket in there and a little flap there.
"They were custom -made for me so I'm very thankful to Steven and the company."
Sheffield-born Palin, who appeared in some of the most famous Python sketches, was full of praise for the old fashioned manufacturing methods used at Whitehouse Cox.
"The work they produce is very well made, it's very strong, it looks attractive, it's handmade," he said. "They use the handmade word so often these days.
"I don't know what it means. Handmade reared chicken or that sort of stuff. But when you come here I see people putting this stuff together by themselves.
"There are very, very few production lines or large equipment. It's skilful."
Palin's first major travel series was Around the World in 80 Days which first broadcast on the BBC in 1989. He visited Egypt, Athens, Bombay and Dubai as he attempted to circumnavigate the globe in 80 days or less.
His next notable travel series was Pole to Pole which aired in 1992. His most recent adventures took him to South America in Brazil with Michael Palin in 2012.
Before his televised ventures abroad, Palin was best known for playing various roles in Monty Python alongside a crop of comedy legends including John Cleese and Eric Idle.
As he wandered around the factory in Walsall, which is manned by 75 members of staff, he revealed the business came to his rescue when his trusty bag was stolen while he was abroad.
"Somewhere in probably Hungary is a fine Whitehouse Cox bag," he continued. "If anyone is there at the moment send it back to me and I'll give you a big kiss.
"These bags survive so long. I may not have to get another one ever. I have always tried to keep in touch with Whitehouse Cox."
Whitehouse Cox was founded in 1875 and was then based in Marsh Street, Walsall.
Back then they used natural vegetable tanned leathers for the bags. Fifteen years ago the company moved to its current location and business is now booming, according to bosses.
The order books are full until next September and bosses are looking to take on 20 apprentices over the next two years. High quality leather wallets, note pad covers and bags are produced at the factory.
Speaking about his upcoming projects, the ever busy Palin wouldn't reveal too much but said: "I'm thinking about something else to do next year, to avoid retiring, that's the thing."
Mr Stephen Cox, company director at Whitehouse Cox, said: "We consider ourselves fortunate to have this wonderful team and they are the companies greatest asset."
The company is looking to recruit a further 24 workers to join their team and will be holding a recruitment open day on November 21 from 9am until 1pm.
