Forsyth took the Eric Morecambe Award, the most prestigious of the event's awards, which has previously been presented to Dame Thora Hird, Sir Norman Wisdom and David Jason.

The awards, which have been running for seven years, recognise achievements in British entertainment and were presented at a central London hotel.

Veteran comedian Roy Hudd was honoured

Lily Savage star Paul O'Grady, who suffered a heart attack two months ago, won in the television personality category.

BBC Radio 4's Dead Ringers took the radio comedy award, which it also picked up last year.

Alistair MacGowan's Big Impression writer Simon Blackwell won The Wally Marston Award.

Soap stars were also honoured with The Heritage Foundation Gold Award going to Wendy Richard (Pauline Fowler in EastEnders) and Sue Nicholls and Amanda Barrie (Audrey and Alma in Coronation Street).

Best comedy performance in a soap was picked up by John Bardon (Jim in EastEnders).

Veteran award

Progressive rocker Rick Wakeman took the special award for contributions to musical entertainment, while Doctor Who and Eldorado producer Verity Lambert won for television entertainment.

June Whitfield presented The Billy Marsh Award for newcomers or veterans, voted for by readers of The People, to Roy Hudd.

And best radio news and information show went to Mike Parry and Alan Brazil for the No Nonsense Breakfast Show on talkSport.

Other celebrities attending included Letitia Dean, Andrew Sachs and John Inman.