Hoxton Street shoppers were shocked to see funny-man Stephen Fry filming his new BBC documentary outside the Monster Supplies shop.

The actor went to the home of the Ministry of Stories (MoS), where volunteer mentors inspire a love of books and writing in youngsters, to film his BBC2 documentary about language, Planet Word.

Canned items on sale in the shop front – like Tinned Fear, Fang Floss and Jars of Human Snot - act as inspiration for the stories that youngsters create after passing through the shop’s secret door.

Fry, who is six foot five inches tall, met up with best-selling author Nick Hornby who helped launch MoS last November.

They collaborated with “Junior Story Ministers” from St John the Baptist School in Crondall Street, Hoxton on the tale, The Witch that Wanted to Rule the World.

Fry, who took part in 80s comedy double act with his best friend Hugh Laurie – also launched the MoS Favourites Fund, which aims to raise �3,000 by inviting everyone to donate the value of their favourite book.

He picked A Confederacy of Dunces by John Kennedy Toole and Nick Hornby chose I Capture the Castle by Dodie Smith.

To take part, visit http://www.justgiving.com/MoS-Favourites-Fund before April 23, 10 winners will receive a special MoS visit.