WHEN the Wirral Globe celebrates a birthday Sir Ken Dodd is one of the first celebrities to send his 'best wishes.' 

Now we send a 'Happy 90th Birthday' message to the Squire of Knotty Ash who was knighted earlier this year for services to entertainment and charity.

Doddy, as he is affectionately known, has no intentions of retiring.

"I love the sound of laughter," he told me last week.

"It is music to my ears.

"I am lucky to have a job that I truly love." 

And that sums up this household name who is as generous with his time on and off stage.

Now Liverpool will pay tribute to one of its most famous sons with a civic lunch in the Town Hall in his honour this Wednesday, November 8.

Sir Ken a Freeman of the City of Liverpool in 2001 (and the City of London this year) will be treated to a rendition of his famous song Happiness by pupils from Knotty Ash Primary School.

And tables will be turned when children from Trinity Primary School will entertain him with their favourite jokes.

And, by Jove, there will be special Doddy delicacies served including Jam butties and Diddy pies.

A giant birthday card from his fans will be presented to the legendary comedian.

Lord Mayor of Liverpool, Cllr Malcolm Kennedy, said he is 'tickled' to be honouring Ken.

"He is the King of Comedy and the Master of mirth – a one-off national treasure.

"It is right and proper that we thank him for a lifetime of making people laugh." 

Multi-award winning Ken says he is humbled by the honour of a civic lunch in his home city.

"I have travelled all over the world but I have yet to visit any place to compare with Merseyside." 

Once the celebrations are over this week, it’s back to work for the much-loved jester of stage, screen and the music charts.

Ken is looking forward to shows at Bodelwyddan Castle in North Wales on Sunday followed by Southport Theatre on November  25; The annual Christmas show at the Philharmonic Hall on December 28 and New Brighton's Floral Pavilion on February 25.

So Many Happy Returns, Sir Ken, from the Wirral Globe – congratulations on your 90th year and for the 65 golden years of laughter you have brought us and will continue to bring us as the undisputed 'Gagfather of comedy.'