A RUNCORN entrepreneur is tickled pink to be joining his uncle, the legendary comedian Ken Dodd when he receives his knighthood.

John Lewis, managing director of SOG which manages The Heath Business Park is going to Buckingham Palace on Thursday with the 89-year-old comic.

Sir Ken will also be accompanied by his partner Anne Jones and John’s wife Linda for his royal appointment with the Queen.

John said: “Our family is immensely proud that Uncle Ken has at long last received the recognition he so thoroughly deserves for an extraordinary career in show business. “Amazingly he is still performing to sell-out audiences and his Happiness Tour has just completed its 25th consecutive year.

“He’s not only a brilliant comedian and TV celebrity but Ken was also a wonderful singer who had massive hits with chart topping records such as Tears, Love is Like a Violin and Happiness which became his signature tune.

“Tears was at Number One for five weeks and became the third biggest selling single of the 1960s.”

In January John and Linda were with Ken when he received the Freedom of the City of London from the Lord Mayor at a special ceremony at The Mansion House.

John added: “That was a marvellous occasion and we’re really looking forward to seeing Uncle Ken receive his Knighthood at Buckingham Palace.

“He is a legend, particularly in Liverpool where people campaigned long and hard for him to be recognised for his amazing charity work and his massive contribution to show business spanning six decades.

“He’s even got a statue at Liverpool’s Lime Street Station – and there aren’t many people who can say they have had a statue commemorated to them during their lifetime!”

Sir Ken has visited the The Heath Business Park on a number of occasions to support business and community activities.