COMEDY legend Sir Ken Dodd has had to cancel his annual South Coast Easter show at Bournemouth Pavilion as he continues to recover from a severe chest infection.

But, through his agent Robert Holmes, he told the Daily Echo he is making a steady recovery and is looking forward to performing again.

Robert Holmes said Ken, who celebrated his 90th birthday and knighthood last year, "greatly appreciates all the support he has been given, and continues to receive during his spell of ill-health.

After 5 weeks in the Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital, he was allowed to return to his beloved Knotty Ash home on February 27 and is now convalescing in his home environment cared for by his loving partner Anne Jones, who has never left his bedside.

" Obviously, he cannot even consider returning to the stage until he has fully recovered from his chest infection and, in typical fashion, he is disappointed that for the first time in his long career, he won't be making the long journey from Liverpool to Bournemouth. He sends his best wishes to all his fans in the town.

In fact, he sends his thanks and good wishes to all those who have sent him thousands of letters, cards and messages of support during his illness. And he has special thanks for all the nurses and doctors who have looked after him so well. "

Ken himself said: "I am not often lost for words, but I feel the need to express my sincere gratitude to all those who have taken the time and trouble to send cards, messages and expressions of goodwill during my stay in hospital. Especially the wonderful treatment that I have received from the dedicated team of NHS doctors and nurses at the Liverpool Heart & Chest Hospital. They are wonderful people and I can't thank them enough for all they have done for me.

"Thanks to them I am delighted to report that I am making steady progress back to good health and happiness and can't wait to entertain everyone once again.

"Keep Smiling and be Happy!"

Revered as one of Britain's funniest comedians, Ken has enjoyed a professional career spanning over 50 years during which he has received numerous awards and accolades, including the first ever 'Living Legend Award' from the British Comedy Society, a Lifetime Achievement in the British Comedy Awards and the 'Greatest Merseysider Of All Time' from his home city of Liverpool.