Liverpool decked in tickling sticks as city says 'tatty bye' to Ken Dodd

Streets, civic buildings and public statues were decorated with tickling sticks Wednesday as Liverpool said a final farewell to one of Britain's greatest ever comedians Ken Dodd.

Liverpool’s Mayor said Ken Dodd would be ‘tickled’ by the reception he was getting upon his death

Through more than seven decades of performing Dodd used a feather duster, calling it a tickling stick, as one of his major props.

Thousands of people converged on Liverpool Cathedral, Britain's biggest church, for the funeral of the 90 year old iconic entertainer who died earlier this month.

His coffin, covered in bright sunflowers, was carried from the cathedral as mourners affectionately patted it

Ordinary people mingled with stars of stage and screen for the service after Dodd's coffin arrived in a horse drawn hearse.

At the Liverpool waterfront tickling sticks were placed on the statue of the Liverpool pop band the Beatles. Two giant sized tickling sticks were placed at the front of Liverpool Town Hall, seat of the city government.

Ken Dodd’s wife Lady Anne and nephew John Lewis after the funeral service of Sir Ken Dodd at Liverpool Anglican Cathedral

At Lime Street station a colorful tickling stick was attached to a life size statue of Dodd. As the funeral procession journeyed from Dodd's lifelong home in Knotty Ash, thousands lined the route, applauding and waving tickling sticks as the cortege passed.

Tickling sticks were fixed to a police motor cycling escorting the procession, and dozens of tickling sticks lined the cathedral's interior.

Jimmy Tarbuck described Ken Dodd as ‘simply the best’ in a heartfelt tribute to him

In tributes from fellow comedians Dodd was hailed as one of the top 3 entertainers in British history, with one using Dodd's hallmark way of saying farewell, using the words Tatty Bye.

(CHINA.ORG.CN)