COMEDY legend Ricky Tomlinson has sent a massive ‘thank you’ message to fans after he was greeted with a full house when he took to the stage.

The Royle Family star was brought to the town by BBC Tees presenter Paul ‘Goffy’ Gough for ‘An Evening With’ event at the Belle Vue Social Club in Hartlepool.

Ricky, was on stage for more than ninety minutes to recall his life and career which has seen him become a favourite on TV and the big screen.

Along the way he survived a long spell on the dole queue and a spell in prison – for which to this day he is still fighting to clear his name from.

The Mike Bassett film star said: “I have had a fabulous night in Hartlepool and I just want to thank the people for taking the time to come along and give me such a warm welcome. It was great to see the Belle Vue Club packed to the rafters and to be made to feel so special by them all.

“People have been tremendously loyal to me across the decades, I’m 77 now and it still gives me a great feeling to sign autographs, or to be asked by lovely fans to pose for a photograph with them.”

North-East based entertainer Tony Washington provided the music and comedy with his tribute to legendary club comedian, Penshaw born Bobby Thomson.

The host said: “It was a most memorable night. Wherever I travel with Ricky and we get on stage the punters just adore and buy into him in an instant - and tonight was no exception.”