Comedian Frank Carson dies

The Belfast-born stand-up had been in ill health and died at home surrounded by his family in Blackpool, Lancashire.

In a statement, his family said Carson was a "husband, father, Gaga and comedian" who had "set off for his final gig today".

"He went peacefully at his home in Blackpool surrounded by his greatest fans - his extended family. We will be taking him home to Belfast to lay him to rest and celebrate his joyful life.

"It's quieter down here now. God help them up there!"

The comic rose to fame in the 1960s after winning talent show Opportunity Knocks three times. He went on to appear in The Comedians and Tiswas.