Barker fans invited to memorial service

Ronnie Barker fans are being invited to a memorial service for him at London's Westminster Abbey.

The March 3 event will see friends, family and fellow comedians paying tribute to the star, who died in October aged 76. Ronnie Corbett will give a eulogy.

Some tickets are still available and fans can apply through the abbey to attend the service. Barker will become the third comic to receive a memorial at Westminster Abbey, following Joyce Grenfell in 1980 and Les Dawson in 1994.

Barker and Corbett were watched by audiences of 17 million during the 40-year run of The Two Ronnies.

"The abbey provides memorial services for many people who have touched the nation's heart, and thousands of people enjoyed Ronnie Barker's work," said a spokeswoman. "It will take the form of a memorial service but there will probably be lots of laughter as well."

"It will be a celebratory event rather than a sad one, celebrating Ronnie Barker's life.

To apply for tickets send a self-addressed envelope to: The Chapter Office, 20 Dean's Yard, Westminster Abbey, London SW1P3PA.