Tributes paid to Laurel and Hardy ventriloquist

Mike Dennett performed with his ventriloquist's dummy, Chic across the UK and in Benidorm

A Blackpool ventriloquist and comedian who performed on stage with legendary comedy duo, Laurel and Hardy has died at the age of 82.

Mike Dennett was 10 when he performed at Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy's Christmas Party at the Nottingham Empire on 21 December, 1952.

The performer, whose career spanned seven decades, later described it as the highlight of his career.

Mr Dennett had "brought laughter and light to so many", and died surrounded by his loved ones at home in Blackpool following a short illness, his family said.

Mr Dennett's family said he had "spoken really fondly of Laurel and Hardy", having been invited to meet them in their dressing room that day.

He had told his family that the famous comedy double act had introduced him by saying "one day this young man's name will be up in lights".

"It was an absolute highlight of his career," his family said, adding that they believed he may have been the last surviving UK artiste to work with Laurel and Hardy.

Paying tribute to Mr Dennett, his family said: "Mike's quick wit and infectious humour left a lasting impression on everyone who had the pleasure of seeing him perform alongside his long-time partner, Chic, over the course of a remarkable seven decade career.

"Beyond the stage, Mike was even more beloved: He was known for his kindness, authenticity, and unwavering devotion to his family."

They said Mr Dennett's "selflessness and love" would be "missed by all who knew him".

Mike Dennett was invited to perform with Laurel and Hardy after the ventriloquist due to perform with them had dropped out due to illness, his family said

Mr Dennett, who began his career in showbusiness at the age of eight, also performed alongside Lulu, Matt Monro, Shirley Bassey, Tony Christie and Engelbert Humperdinck over the course of his career.

He was married to Blackpool singer, Darci Silver, and lived in the coastal town for 41 years as well as performing there for 50 years.

Mr Dennett continued to perform with his ventriloquist's dummy, Chic, pronounced "chick", until he retired at 78 due to ill health, his family said.

He appeared on TV shows including New Faces in the 1970s and Guys and Dolls in the 1980s, as well as a BBC documentary on ventriloquism.

Mr Dennett performed in venues across the country, including Blackpool Central Pier and the Sheffield Fiesta, as well as in Benidorm.

He also performed in front of royalty, appearing in front of Prince Edward at an event in Scotland.

Fundraising gigs

Mr Dennett had four children from his first marriage, Michael, Russell, Hayley and Sophie, and three sons from his marriage to Darci - David, Bill and Scott. He also had eight grandchildren and six great grandchildren.

His family said over the course of his career he had performed at many charity gigs, raising money for a range of different causes.

Mr Dennett has also been honoured in an exhibition at Blackpool's Showtown museum, with one of his show posters featured alongside performers including Paul O'Grady as Lily Savage.

Mr Dennett's funeral will take place at Carlton Crematorium in Blackpool on 20 December, followed by a celebration of his life at the H&A club where he was a regular performer.

Mr Dennett's family said they were also planning a fundraising celebration of his life which would raise funds for Trinity Hospice, which cared for him in his final days.