Jimmy Cricket is a former Butlin's red coat
Veteran comedian Jimmy Cricket has been awarded the Roman Catholic Church's highest honour by Pope Francis.
The Rochdale-based comic has tweeted, external that the Pope has made him a papal knight for services to charity.
The 69-year-old said he was "thrilled" to receive the honour that he will officially receive at a later date.
Born in Cookstown in County Tyrone, the comedian, whose real name is James Joseph Mulgrew, became a household name in the 1970s.
The former Butlin's red coat entertainer told BBC Radio Ulster the honour had come "right out of the blue".
The comedian received the honour with his real name written in Latin
The father-of-four only became aware of the award when his parish priest arrived at his home to deliver what he thought was a 70th birthday card.
"The parish priest arrived and took out this certificate - it was a papal knighthood and it was in Latin," Mr Cricket said.
"I thought: 'He's got the wrong fella here, is he sure it's not the neighbour?'
He said he was "humbled and honoured" by the recognition.
"I do what I love. If I can raise money by entertaining people, sure it's not hard work.
"To get an honour for doing something that you love is quite a blessing."
- Published7 June 2013
