A HOST of celebrities will join the Queen as she unveils a new statue in tribute to Eric Morecambe on Morecambe Promenade later this month.

The Royal party and Her Majesty's guests arrive in the resort on Friday, July 23, for what is being billed as one of the highlights of the national calendar.

Several former Morecambe and Wise guest stars will join the Queen in the resort as she performs the unveiling ceremony.

TV newsreader Angela Rippon, whose memorable appearance alongside Eric and Ernie in the 1970s focused on her legendary legs will be joined by current affairs broadcaster Sir Robin Day plus actors Nigel Hawthorne and Frank Finlay

Sir Robin Day told the Citizen "It is a great honour for me to have been invited to the unveiling by Her Majesty the Queen of Eric's statue."

Paying tribute to the comedy genius of Eric Morecambe, he added "I loved my several appearances on the Morecambe and Wise Show. They beat me about the head with bottles."

The Queen's visit also takes her to Lancaster's historic Priory Church. The Queen, who is also Duke of Lancaster, will also meet the ordinary people of the city as she celebrates the 600th anniversary of the link between the Duchy of Lancaster and the Crown.

The Queen will be welcomed to the City by the Mayor of Lancaster, who said: "Her majesty The Queen and His Royal Highness, The Duke of Edinburgh's visit is a great honour for the whole area.

"We are all very proud of Lancaster's links with the monarchy and to welcome Her Majesty for the 600th Anniversary celebrations is a really important occasion for us all.

"I know that Her Majesty will receive a very warm welcome and that local people are really looking forward to the day."

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