Not a lot of people know that an Oscar-winning actor likes to relax from the pressures of film-making by gardening.

Hot after landing an Oscar for his role in the Cider House Rules, actor Michael Caine made the trip to Chelsea this afternoon to help promote one of his favourite charities.

Disguised in a baseball cap, he went straight to the Hampshire-based Oakleigh Nurseries stand to see a new Angel Pelargonium, ‘Sarah Don’, which is helping to raise cash for the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children. For each plant sold £1 will be donated to the charity.

"Not all movie stars are into gardening. The appeal to me is the peace and quiet, and getting away from it all," said Michael. "I watch all gardening shows, but don’t have a favourite presenter, just as long as they give out the right information," he added.

He said that he visits Chelsea most years, looking for inspiration for his garden and had been able to come this year because he had been given a week off from filming with Sandra Bullock in the US.

"And I’ve come straight to this nursery because they are donating to a good charity," he said.