SOMETIMES silence says far more than words.

Having covered many funeral services in my career as a reporter I have not been as moved as much as I was on Monday.

The emotional farewell to Wirral policeman PC David Phillips - killed in the line of duty - will stay with me for a long time to come.

On a cold, misty morning at the Pier Head the quiet River Mersey was a peaceful backdrop for a gathering of people who had lost a friend. Some had never met him but felt as if they had.

Uniformed police officers from all over the country had come to Liverpool to pay their respects. Parents held hands and children stood clutching flowers and watched as police officers sobbed.

There was calm.

Pure dignity.

The mounted policemen patted the bowed, solemn heads of their majestic horses.

Thousands lined the streets.

It was a beautiful, defiant sight of friendship and camaraderie – police and public as one.

I asked some policemen where I could stand.

I told them I had to be there because of my own respect for the Wallasey community bobbies who make all our streets safer.

The scale of the service at the Anglican Cathedral saw 2,000 people listen to the tributes.

It was seen all over the country and each eulogy moved millions.

This was a truly magnificent celebration of his all-too-short life.

PC Philips made his mark. Whenever people hear his name they will think of an everyday Wirral hero who never put himself first.

The thin blue line locally and nationally has been robbed of one of their own when he died – but his lasting legacy lives.

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THE show must always go on.

I refer to actress Cara Chase who, as understudy, stood in for Patricia Cornwell who was taken ill during the recent Agatha Christie tour at the New Brighton Pavilion.

Merseyside star Eithne Browne, no stranger to the Pavilion boards, says she can relate to the situation herself. Ethy was once chorus and understudy in the West End for Blood Brothers at the age of 27.

She said: "I was sitting in the dressing room when I was told Barbara Dickson as Mrs Johnstone was injured just minutes before curtain up so I was put in her costume.

"I could hear a collective groan from the audience waiting to take their seats."

Her main concern was that she was much smaller than Barbara.

"I had to find a pair of shoes that fitted me. I went on stage padded out and with newspapers stuffed inside the only ones available.

"My first thought when I was walking on stage was 'do people realise they have bought tickets to see a former shop blinds saleswoman?'"

She went on to appear in the show more than 50 times playing a blinder. Ethy never looked back after that.

Now Ethy tells all about her showbiz career in her one-woman show which, she laughs, features many other break-a-leg moments.

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JOLLY Jimmy Cricket is a big fan of the Wirral and New Brighton.

"It really has been revitalised," says the funnyman from County Tyrone in that wonderful Irish accent.

"I think the Pavilion theatre reflects the optimism and forward-looking side of the town. It is a jewel in Wirral’s crown and I look forward to playing there in the future."

Jimmy revealed to the Inferno that he is going to have a busy festive period.

"I am supporting the Osmonds on their Christmas tour."

Howzat!

Jimmy said he was pleased as punch to get a papal knighthood from Pope Francis.

Oh and using his catchphrase, the batty Mr Cricket added: "And there’s more. I’m working on a gag book." 

Mr Cricket at 70 ... not out!

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AND finally ... Signing off.

Following my recent piece about useless signs here’s a couple of crackers sent in by my BBC Merseyside pal Roger Lyon.

One from an office: "After tea-break, staff should empty the teapot and stand upside down on the draining board."

Outside a second-hand shop: “We exchange anything – bicycles, washing machines etc.

"Why not bring your wife along and get a wonderful bargain?”

Peter Grant