Vic Reeves and Bob Mortimer win Bristol slapstick award

Vic Reeves and Bob Mortimer were recognised for the "attention they have paid to using visual and physical gags" throughout their careers

Vic Reeves and Bob Mortimer have been recognised as comedy legends at Bristol's annual Slapstick Festival.

The award from animation company Aardman and festival organisers is to honour those who are "worthy heirs to the earliest silent film comedians".

The duo were presented with personalised versions of Aardman's Morph and Chas characters for their 25-year contribution to visual comedy.

Previous winners include Eric Sykes, Michael Palin and The Goodies.

Reeves and Mortimer have starred in several programmes together on TV, including Vic Reeves' Big Night Out, House of Fools and quiz show Shooting Stars.

At the presentation at Bristol Old Vic on Sunday, they shared clips and anecdotes about their work and video messages from artist Damien Hirst, Ulrika Jonsson and comedians Jo Brand, Jack Dee, Charlie Higson and Matt Lucas.

The duo were presented with personalised versions of Aardman's Morph and Chas

VIC REEVES AND BOB MORTIMER

• Vic Reeves, aka Jim Moir, reportedly got his name from his favourite singers Vic Damone and Jim Reeves

• Vic Reeves Big Night Out began life as a Thursday night gig at Goldsmith's Tavern in London, where he met solicitor Bob Mortimer in the late-1980s

• The duo's growing TV profile led to the Big Night Out getting a late night television slot and a cult following.

• Since then the pair's surreal take on the world has redefined the sketch show (The Smell Of Reeves And Mortimer), the game show (Shooting Stars) and the sitcom (House of Fools).

David Sproxton, co-owner of Aardman, said it was "important to keep alive an interest in visual humour".

He said: "It's one of the few ways in which we can unite people of all ages, backgrounds, nationalities, languages and cultures.

"So we are delighted to see this year's award going to Vic Reeves and Bob Mortimer, in recognition of the attention they have paid to using visual and physical gags throughout their careers."

Other winners of the same award include Barry Humphries and June Whitfield.