A Little Lever ventriloquist who once got star billing above Morecambe and Wise has died aged 82.

Jim Tattersall was a successful theatre and variety club act, one-time TV personality and latterly known for his model making.

He died on Friday in Royal Bolton Hospital after a long illness.

In a long career, Jim worked with many famous names, appearing alongside not only the nation's favourite double comedy act, but with Norman Wisdom, Joseph Locke and Michael Bentine.

He even starred in his own TV series on a Scottish channel during the 1950s.

Tribute

Well known for his life-sized puppets, with "goggle" type eyes, he was prominently featured in a TV documentary paying tribute to ventriloquists of the past.

When he finished on the stage, Jim took his animated models more seriously and, in 1989, won a silver award for his model of Wigan Pier, complete with canal boat, at the Chelsea Flower Show.

He also went on to create his much-loved model villages at Haigh Hall, Wigan.

Jim lived all his married life in Little Lever and leaves a wife, son, daughter and five grandchildren.

The funeral service and interment take place at St Mathew's Church, Little Lever on Friday.

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