There is not yet a Frankie Howerd museum. But he has long been valued as a national treasure - and now his memory has been preserved in the city of his birth.

Frankie would have found it most amusing to see a gaggle (or should that be giggle?) of comedians toasting his life.

No doubt he would have pulled that famous grimace upon hearing the variety of impressions of his inimitable patter.

Frankie's comedy went in and out of fashion. And many York people were unaware that he was born here.

But now we have a proper memorial to a man whose contribution to British comedy was only fully appreciated after he had gone.

see NEWS 'Stars turn out as city honours famous son'

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