TRIBUTES have poured in to legendary comedian Frank Carson, who toured extensively in East Lancashire.

The Irish comic, who lived in St Annes and died on Wednesday aged 85.

Fellow Comedians star and Blackburn stand-up Jim Bowen said he owed his career to Frank.

Mr Bowen said: “He was responsible for getting me on The Comedians, so I owe him a big one.

“He saw me one night at the Dolphin Bar in Cleveleys. I had not gone down well on the Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, but it went well on the Thursday and he was there.

“It was the luck of the Irish!

“He was a joyous man and it was a privelege to know him.”

Former World Snooker Champion Dennis Taylor, who lived in Blackburn for many years, was good friends with Frank.

He said: “I knew Frank for more than 30 years and I loved him dearly. He was a lovely man.

“He left some lovely messages for me the year I won the World Championship.

“I spoke to him last week and I was so pleased to have that chance to talk with him, but he sounded very weak.

“It was strange because when he used to ring he’d forget what he called for and end up telling me about 15 jokes!”

Irish comedian Dusty Young, who lives in Crawshawbooth, also paid tribute.

He said: “He was a larger than life character and he lit up a room.

“I remember once I’d done the North Pier at Blackpool with him and I was talking to someone afterwards.

“He lasted a long time. You don’t last a long time in comedy if you’re no good at it.”

Chairman of Blackburn’s Thwaites Theatre Michael Berry said he had worked with Mr Carson three or four times.

He said: “He was a really nice man and always accommodating. If there was a sponsor or somebody wanted to meet him he would always do it.

“I bumped into him at Blackpool Airport once and I went up to him and said,‘Hello, do you remember me?’ and he said: ‘Remember you? I haven’t worked since!’”