ONE of Britain's best loved comedians returns to the region next month.

Ken Dodd will appear at Darlington's Civic Theatre from Thursday, October 16, to Saturday, October 18, with his Happiness show.

Renowned for the length of his performances, Dodd was once on stage for four hours at the same venue.

Last year, he was voted the greatest ever Liverpudlian in a poll conducted by the local Press and radio, beating John Lennon and Paul McCartney to the top spot.

His act includes references to some of his most famous creations, including the jam-butty mines and black pudding plantations in his native Knotty Ash.

Tickets for the shows, priced £13 and £15, are available on (01325) 486555.