Friends thank God for Sir Ken Dodd at his funeral

Tickle sticks appeared across Liverpool as the city said a final farewell him.

The props were made famous by the much-loved Christian comedian, who died earlier this month aged 90, and were placed on landmarks across the area.

Applause rang out as Sir Ken Dodd’s funeral cortege arrived at the Anglican Cathedral for the start of the service.

A horse-drawn carriage bore his wooden casket, with a bouquet of yellow sunflowers atop and a tribute to one of his trademark Diddymen alongside.

A band played melancholy ragtime jazz music before six pall bearers carried the coffin inside the cathedral with hundreds inside preparing to pay a final farewell.

As Sir Ken’s casket was carried inside the cathedral hundreds of mourners gathered under a big screen outside to watch as the service began, with opening prayers led by Canon Myles Davies, acting Dean of Liverpool.

Along with the comedian’s fans a Who’s Who of Liverpool comedians and celebrities have come to pay their last respects including, Jimmy Tarbuck, Les Dennis, Tom O’Connor and Stan Boardman.

Jimmy Tarbuck, who spoke before reading a passage based on Psalm 139, said: “What a perfect venue for our city’s hero, perhaps our city’s greatest hero and I’m pleased for Ken there’s yet another full house.”

He said he had met Sir Ken…