RESIDENTS have come together to commemorate the day on which a famous English comedian performed for the first time in Colchester.

Liverpool comedian Arthur Askey made his professional debut at the Headgate Electric Theatre, in St John's Street, Colchester, 100 years ago, on March 31, 1924. 

To commemorate this occasion a floral tribute was placed beneath a plaque by Colchester High Steward Sir Bob Russell and Colchester councillor Mick Spindler.

Arthur's first professional booking was in the small theatre which later became a cinema, which many people will remember as The Cameo Cinema.

The plaque came about after the cinema was turned into retail units.

Sir Bob came to an agreement with the developers to include a plaque to remember the humble beginnings of the English icon. 

It was installed next to where the entrance to the theatre once was.

Arthur appeared on many famous British films and TV shows such as Charley's (Big-Hearted) Aunt, The Ghost Train and his first-ever TV series Before Your Very Eyes!, named after his iconic catchphrase.

He also appeared in the West End musical Follow the Girls and made many stage appearances as a pantomime dame.

The world-famous personality was appointed OBE in 1969 and advanced to CBE in 1981.