The funeral service of the late comedy actor, John Inman, will take place on Friday at a private location.

A memorial service is planned for later this year which will be open to the public.

The actor, famous for the catchphrase, I'm free', in the 1970s sitcom, Are You Being Served?, died on Thursday, March 8, after a long illness. He was 71.

Mr Inman was born in Preston and moved to Blackpool when he was 12. He made his stage debut a year later at the resort's South Pier. Members of his family still live on the Fylde.

The Citizen's website at www.blackpoolcitizen.co.uk has been inundated with messages from fans from across the world.