Life-size knitted mannequin pops up ahead of Eric Morecambe's 100th birthday

The mannequin at the Eric Morecambe Statue

A life-size knitted tribute to Eric Morecambe has been appearing around the town in the run-up to the great man's centenary.

The knitted Eric has been made by the Ninja Knitters, a craft group of knitting and crocheting enthusiasts who meet fortnightly at St John's Hospice in Lancaster.

They have designed a project creating sunflowers as badges, key rings and pin cushions to raise funds for the hospice.

Their tribute to the comedy legend has many of the sunflowers displayed on his clothing.

The mannequin will be displayed in various locations this month, including at the Eric Morecambe Statue.

The Ninja Knitters with their Eric Morecambe mannequin

Eric Morecambe, renowned for his TV comic partnership with Ernie Wise, was born John Eric Bartholomew on Buxton Street in the town on May 14 1926, and lived on Christie Avenue as a boy.

Morecambe and Wise Christmas Show TV specials were massively popular during the 1960s, 70s and 80s, peaking at 28 million viewers in 1977.

Eric died, aged 58, in 1984.

The comic's statue on the Promenade pulls huge numbers of visitors each year.

Morecambe and Wise

A programme of events is taking place in the town that week will honour the memory of the Morecambe and Wise star.

Beyond Radio will host a special broadcast to celebrate Eric's 100th birthday with special guests, live from the Kings Arms opposite the Eric Morecambe Statue, on Thursday May 14 from 10am to 3pm.

Read more: LISTEN: Sing along as venue celebrates Eric Morecambe's 100th birthday - Beyond Radio

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