A WORLDWIDE convention saw more than 200 people from across the globe flock to Ulverston to celebrate the work of one of the most popular comedians of all time.

The lives of Stan Laurel and his comedy partner, Oliver Hardy, were celebrated as part of a four-day gathering organised by The Sons of the Desert Laurel and Hardy Worldwide Appreciation Society.

Fans adorned in bowler hats and fezzes were treated to cinema showings of classic films from the double act as well as a 'Mr Laurel' performance from Hi-De-Hi actor Jeffrey Holland.

On the final night of the convention, a live-video link was set up with Harlem in Georgia from the town's Coronation Hall to acknowledge the friendship between the birthplaces of two comedy icons.

Mark Greenhow, curator of Ulverston's Laurel and Hardy Museum, was delighted to see that the double act's legacy was still going strong.

He said: "The kids still enjoy their black and white films which is testament to the pair of them. Laughter is always important and with terrible things happening across the globe at the moment laughter really can help to make the world a better place."

Fans from countries such as Italy, Romania and Canada made the long journey to Ulverston to be a part of the celebrations.

Kathy Barber, aged 70, from Farmington in Utah built her own 45-seater public cinema to enjoy the dozens of films she collected as a fan of the duo. She also founded the local branch of the Sons of the Desert – naming it The Bohemian Girl tent after her favourite film.

She has always enjoyed the comedy duo because of their obvious and genuine affection for one another and therefore made the trip across the Atlantic Ocean to Ulverston to celebrate their friendship.

She said: "They were a true partnership with each of them indulging in the comedy and neither acting as a straight man, as so often happens with comedy duos.

"They were equal partners in getting the laughs they so richly deserved. And their films are just as entertaining today because of their performances."

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