Last updated 09:00, Saturday, 08 November 2008

HOW tickled I am to hear that Ken Dodd is 81 years young today.

How tickled I am: Ken Dodd joins his audience in the Market Hall, Carlisle in 1974 before going on stage for one of his marathon stand-up performances. Still a frequent visitor to the city, this ventriloquist, comedian and singer, born in Knotty Ash, Liverpool in 1927, is as popular as ever. In 1973 he was the first guest in Border Television's long running show "Look Who's Talking" which was networked by ITV.From FLASHBACK:50 YEARS OF THE CUMBERLAND NEWS PHOTOGRAPHIC ARCHIVE at Tullie House Museum and Art Gallery, Carlisle.

This feather-duster salesman is still one of the most loved, though least-lauded, British comedians of all time. He has a huge following of fans and is still touring the country, only recently appearing at The Sands Centre, Carlisle in one of his legendary four-hour shows.

From singer to actor to comedian, he is considered the last, great, music-hall-inspired variety comic.

Doddy still lives in his childhood home in Knotty Ash.

During the sixties, when he played at seaside resorts, he created a miniature race of people from his home-town calling them The Diddy Men. They began appearing on stage with him, much to the delight of children in the audience.

Can you remember them? There was Dicky Mint, Mick the Marmalizer, Little Evan, Hamish McDiddy, Nigel Ponsonby-Smallpiece, Nicky Nugget, Smarty Arty and Sid Short.

During his musical career, his biggest hit Tears in 1964 sold over two million copies, earning him two gold discs.