GLOBE theatre critic Peter Grant - a close friend of the late Sir Ken Dodd - is tickled to see two plumptious new art tributes unveiled outside Liverpool's Royal Court Theatre.

Happiness was in the air as the Royal Court Community Choir brandishing tickling sticks sang Sir Ken Dodd's trademark song as two murals were unveiled outside the theatre in Roe Street, Liverpool that he helped save from going under.

His widow Lady Anne Dodd was the guest of honour for the event today.

And she was clearly moved by the whole occasion and the huge turn-out by Ken's fans describing it as 'humbling and joyous.'

Over jam butties at a special reception she told the Globe: "It is a lovely celebration. He would have been overwhelmed and thrilled.

"I unveiled the murals using Ken's famous countdown in reverse.

"Ken was loved by so many people and continues to spread happiness.

"These murals will now raise a smile for passers by - what a great tribute."

The two murals were funded by Joe Anderson - the mayor of Liverpool from his 'City Fund.'

They are the original artwork by acclaimed artist Paul Curtis, whose work can also be seen at Thornton Hough Spa and in Liverpool's Jamaica Street.

The colourful artworks were commissioned by The Comedy Trust.

Their artistic director Sam Avery said: "Doddy was the Shakespeare of Comedy - The Bard of Knotty Ash.

"He was a brilliant communicator.

"Seeing the murals will make people feel good.

"There was no one better than Sir Ken in helping people of all ages feel better about themselves through comedy.

"He did so much more for personal well-being.

"It is a privilege for us that Lady Anne agreed to personally unveil our 'thank you' to Sir Ken."

A huge crowd gathered along with members of the UK media on what was the anniversary of the comedian's death.

Sir Ken died at home on March 11, 2018 at the age of 90.

The much-loved Liverpudlian left more than a laughter legacy by supporting various charities tbroughout his life with his Ken Dodd Charitable Trust.

The mural unveilings were also a curtain- raiser to announce the forthcoming 'Doddy Day' on November 8 - the birthday of the star.

Now the colourful artworks will become a tourist attraction in their own right.

The murals have been created on a pair of old poster panels that are two square metres each.

Sir Ken played a huge part in keeping the Royal Court open performing for months at a time at a time in the 1950s, '60s and '70s.

He was particularly proud of this part of his life and featured it in his only picture biography Look at it My Way.

In 1974, he broke the world record for non-stop joke-telling at the venue telling a staggering 1,500 gags over a continous three and a half-hour session.

In the late 70s he was part of the Royal Court Theatre and Arts Trust which bought the building when it seemed likely to shut for good.

He even sold tickets at the box office for the Ken Dodd Laughter Show, which re-opened the theatre in 1978.

Lady Anne said her husband recognised the plight of the theatre and helped it to survive."

The murals are an addition to Merseyside's other tributes including a statue at Lime Street, a bust at his beloved Picton Reading Room at the Liverpool Central Library and a painting in New Brighton's Floral Pavilion.

Later this year a biography of Sir Ken - fully authorised by Lady Anne detailing her life with him - will be published.