We've dug out these amazing rare photos of Eric Morecambe in Lancashire to mark his 100th birthday.
A host of events and activities have been planned to celebrate what would have been Eric’s 100th birthday on May 14.
Eric took his famous name from the town of his birth and achieved nationwide adoration.
But despite his rise to stardom, he would try to make the time to return to his hometown and was always proud of his northern roots.
On his last visit to the area he opened an old people’s housing scheme in Lancaster and would often be found getting involved in community events.
Eric was held in high regard by locals and whenever he visited Morecambe they would send him back home to Harpenden, in Hertfordshire, with his car boot stashed with Morecambe Bay shrimps, sticks of Morecambe rock and fistfuls of crab claws.
A look through our archives unearthed these 19 pictures of the comedian during some of these visits to Morecambe and Lancaster. We hope they bring you sunshine!

17. Memories of Eric
Morecambe and Wise with Alma Cogan and Ken Platt pictured on the seafront in Morecambe. The photo was taken during a break in performances in 1958 when singer Alma actually topped the bill at the Winter Gardens in a summer season, ahead of Eric and Ernie. Ken Platt was also a comedian. Photo: Submitted

18. Memories of Eric
Eric and Ernie switch on Morecambe Illuminations in 1975. Photo: Submitted

19. Memories of Eric
Ever the joker, Eric entertains visitors at the Cartmel Day Centre in Morecambe. Photo: Submitted

