Liverpool claims to be the capital of comedy

Guests at Wednesday's ceremony will include comedy giants Ken Dodd and Ricky Tomlinson.

Around 30 others are also expected to attend the lunchtime event at Liverpool Town Hall.

Lord Mayor, Councillor Ron Gould, said the ceremony is to recognise their talent and to say thank you for the entertainment they have provided.

He said: "We've got some fantastic home-grown talent that we should all be proud of.

"This lunch is a great opportunity for the city to say 'thank you' to those who put laughter into our lives."

'Melting pot of culture'

Freeman of the city, Ken Dodd, said: "In my opinion 'Mirth-yside' is the capital of laughter!

"Liverpool has supplied this country with more comedians than any other city and that's because we're a melting pot of culture.

"This wonderful city is made up of people from different backgrounds with diverse viewpoints, giving us all a unique take on comedy.

"All my comedy heroes are from this beautiful city, Arthur Askey and Rob Wilton for example. They both epitomise Scouse humour.