HE has made a career out of impersonating comedy legend Oliver Hardy - but North-East funnyman Ian Wragg did not expect to find himself in a real life fine mess.

But that's exactly what happened to the 32-year-old when his suitcase was stolen as he travelled back by rail from a gig in Telford.

The luggage contained his prized bowler hat and Mr Wragg feared he would never see it again. But by the time he arrived at Darlington station two hours later, the bag had been recovered.

Mr Wragg said: "Thirty seconds out of Sheffield I realised the suitcase had gone. I was so angry. Basically, it was my whole act.

"There were magic tricks in there that I perform as Oliver; my costume, a camera, plus my personal clothes."

A bowler hat, donated to Mr Wragg by a reader of The Northern Echo after an appeal two years ago, was also inside the suitcase.

At Darlington station, he rang British Transport Police in Sheffield and was told, to his amazement, that the suitcase was there.

Mr Wragg, of Bolton Close, Darlington, said: I can't describe the relief I felt when they told me."

The suitcase was returned to Mr Wragg, who performs his Laurel and Hardy act across the country with colleague Frank Terry, less than 24 hours later.

A South Yorkshire Police spokeswoman said: "We were delighted that we were able to help this man be reunited with his valuables."

* A man in his 20s has been charged with theft in connection with the incident.