WORLD famous funny man Bernard Manning is popping into Preston for a one-off charity gig.

The controversial comedian, who has lost four members of his own family to cancer, is helping to raise money for the Lancashire Air Ambulance and Vine House, a local organisation set up to care for the victims of the illness.

Bernard spoke exclusively to The Citizen and promised to bring the house down for the good causes.

"I hope it's a good turn out and we all enjoy ourselves. I will send them home glowing, all laughed out," he said.

"I like any jokes about football, anything about the English cricket team -- topical stuff."

But his new gig isn't the first time the comic has been to Preston, and he remembers PNE's glory days, when Preston's great football hero, Sir Tom Finney, was still covering the wing. He said: "I used to go and see Tom at Deepdale many years ago. Them were the days when footballers were loyal to one team. Money didn't rule the game.

"He's a grand lad, and an all-round great fellow."

The funny man, who has lived in Middleton, near Manchester, all his life, is no stranger to tragedy. He lost brothers Frank and Jack to cancer, then his wife Veronica and his mother.

And, despite his reputation for sailing close to the wind with jokes about mothers-in-law and ethnic minorities, the comedian has spent a long time raising money for charity.

He said: "With my eldest brother, the cancer was in his back, and with my wife it was her lungs. My mum was 95 but you don't want them to die, whatever age.

"I've done Preston many times before, in working men's clubs and discos. I've certainly made a living from it, and it's the job I like."

Bernard will be appearing at Preston Grasshoppers Rugby Club, Lightfoot Lane, Fulwood, on Thursday, January 16.

He will be taking to the stage with local crooner Tony Slater and top DJ Simon Gee. Tickets cost £15, including a hot-pot supper, from Tony on 01772 200181.