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Blue Bernard paints town red

LOCAL comic Bernard Manning hobnobbed with the stars as he celebrated his 75th birthday in the swanky Midland Hotel ballroom on Saturday.

The much-loved Alkrington man, who has done so much for local charities, swapped the stage of his beloved Embassy Club in Harpurhey for the swisher surroundings of the central Manchester hotel.

And fervent City fan Bernard put football rivalry aside for the night to chat to his close friend, Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson.

Other guests included boxing sensation Ricky Hatton, former Manchester United captain Bryan Robson, and comics Frank Carson, Stan Boardman, Roy Walker and Roy Chubby Brown.

But the biggest stars of the night were his grandchildren Ben, 16, Hayley, 10, and Chloe, eight, who presented grandad with a cake showing him telling jokes on stage.

Bernard said: “It was an absolutely fantastic night, anyone who’s anyone was there.

“Boddington’s brewery gave me a replica of the Embassy Club, it's breathtaking, the windows light up and everything, and I was thrilled when my grandchildren presented me with this huge cake - it must have weighed a ton.

“I had a good 60th birthday and a good 70th, but this really topped it. It was fantastic to see so many old friends from over the years.”