Comic Frank Carson dies aged 85 (From Your Local Guardian)

Comic Frank Carson dies aged 85

9:36pm Wednesday 22nd February 2012 in National Entertainment News © Press Association 2011

Comedian Frank Carson, best known for his catchphrase "It's a cracker", has "set off for his final gig" after losing his battle with stomach cancer, his family said.

The Belfast-born stand-up, 85, had been in ill health and died at home surrounded by his family in Blackpool, Lancashire.

In a statement, his family said Carson was a "husband, father, Gaga and comedian" who had "set off for his final gig today".

"He went peacefully at his home in Blackpool surrounded by his greatest fans - his extended family. We will be taking him home to Belfast to lay him to rest and celebrate his joyful life.

"It's quieter down here now. God help them up there!"

The comic rose to fame in the 1960s after winning talent show Opportunity Knocks three times. He went on to appear in The Comedians and Tiswas.

Carson had undergone a successful operation for stomach cancer last year.

Born in Belfast on 6 November 1926 to a family of Italian descent, the son of a binman grew up in the Little Italy area of the city and worked as a plasterer and electrician before joining the Parachute Regiment.

He served three years in the Middle East in the 1950s before turning to showbusiness.

Spotted for his stand-up work, he was a popular performer on Irish television before moving to England.