FUNNYMAN Ken Dodd was invited to cut the ribbon at the re-opening of a bookshop in New Brighton.

The veteran entertainer, was watched by an audience of invited guests during the ceremony at Literally ... a bookshop, opposite the railway station in Atherton Road on Wednesday night.

It originally opened in December 2012, but has now relocated to a bigger premises two doors along.

During his visit, Ken read from excerpts from Charles Dickens' classic A Christmas Carol and some poetry written by the shop's co-founder Cathy Roberts.

Wirral Globe:

After cutting the ribbon Ken, who has a collection of 20,000 books at his home in Knotty Ash said: "I love books and I love bookshops.

"Whenever I'm away I always try to pop into local bookshops.

"I wish all book-lovers and the great people of New Brighton a happy, plumptious Christmas and a healthy new year."  

The shop is open seven days a week and right through the Christmas period.

Cathy Roberts, said: "The move heralds, literally, the start of new chapter in the bookshop's life as we have moved to bigger premises.

"I want to thank the people who have supported the shop past, present and now future.

Wirral Globe:

"Next year we will have 'audience with ...' nights with special guests including Les Dennis, Michael Starke, Ricky Tomlinson, Willy Russell and Doddy himself."

There's a treat for murder mystery fans on January 14 when Sudden Death Theatre presents What the Dickens at the venue.

More details from literallyproductions.co.uk