GLOBE columnist Peter Grant joined the North West media to mark Sir Ken Dodd's Plumptious birthday celebration.

"I'm not a footballer, you know," quipped Sir Ken Dodd as he was greeted by a barrage of camera flashlights and microphones from a packed Town Hall full of reporters.

The legendary comic, who was 90 on Wednesday, was given a civic lunch to mark his status as one of Merseyside favourite sons.

Sir Ken, who was awarded an OBE in 1992 and is Freeman of the City of Liverpool, said he was thrilled at the gathering and praised your Wirral Globe reporter for beating the bus and rail strikes to attend the event which was also attended by Ricky Tomlinson.

He thanked me when I passed on the many messages of congratulations from Globe readers.

And late night broadcasters Peter Price and Linda McDermott, who will become Liverpool Citizens of Honour next year, both said they were privileged to be there.

Radio City star Peter told the Globe: "What can you say about him that already hasn’t been said and yet he will always surprise you." 

BBC Radio Merseyside presenter Linda McDermott added: "We are all so very proud of the great man." 

I asked Ricky Tomlinson what he would be doing when he himself turns 90?

"I hope to be writing scripts for Ken Dodd.

"But seriously, Doddy is simply THE Govenor of Comedy – no one comes anywhere near his genius." 

Doddy was met at the Town Hall door by Lord Mayor of Liverpool Cllr Malcolm Kennedy and the Lady Mayoress.

And he was treated to a version of Happiness from Knotty Ash Primary school and a Diddy Variety act from Trinity Primary School.

When asked what he was looking forward to doing now that he is 90, Doddy said, "being 110." 

The muli-talented singer, film and stage star and stand up comedian still lives in the same house where he was born in Knotty Ash.

Accompanied by his partner Anne, he praised his home town.

He said: "I call it Mirthyside and I say North West audiences are the best." 

Doddy was given cards and gifts from fans inside and outside the Town Hall.

Book-lover Doddy was tickled to receive a rare book printed in 1927 – a 90-year-old edition of an A A Milne classic.

"I have been very blessed," said Sir Ken, as he cut a celebratory cake to mark his landmark birthday.

"And I am looking forward to presenting my Happiness Show at the Phil on December 28 - to see this momentous, tattifilarious year out." 

And tables were turned when children from Trinity Primary School entertained him with their favourite jokes.