FUNNYMAN Ken Dodd is to play one of the smallest gigs of his career for just sixty lucky locals.

The Liverpudlian, best known for his 'Diddy men' performances in the 1970s, was invited back to Preston after striking up a friendship with curators while opening the Grin Up North exhibition at the Museum of Lancashire in July 2003.

Tickets for the intimate gig are such hot property that applicants' names will have to be drawn out of a hat.

His 'An evening with...' show takes place at the Stanley Street museum on Friday February 20.

Grin Up North curator John McGoldrick said: "This is almost a once in a lifetime opportunity to see the Doddy's show in such an intimate setting.

"But unlike the TV specials this performance will be for ordinary members of the public, not celebrities.

"There will be nothing 'diddy' about the clamour for this event. We expect demand to be so high that we will have to hold a draw to decide fairly who can buy a ticket."

The popular Grin Up North exhibition has attracted record numbers of visitors since its grand opening last year when Ken Dodd addressed an audience from a balcony.

The gig is strictly a one-off show and all proceeds will go to charity.

A Lancashire County Council spokesman said: "Ken Dodd is a really nice guy and has become quite friendly with a number of our staff since he came to open the exhibition.

"We are delighted he's agreed to do the gig and we are sure it will be extremely popular."

Tickets are just £12.50 and applicants should call 01772 534075 before February 9.