Comic genius Tony Hancock has been honoured along with co-stars Sid James and Hattie Jacques with three Comic Heritage blue plaques.

The unveiling at BBC Broadcasting House in central London was attended by friends and family of the trio.

Hancock is widely dubbed a genius

Hancock's Half Hour started on the radio in 1954, moving to television in 1956 and winning huge viewing figures.

The show showcased Hancock's grumpy persona, with James and Jacques usually in support, in a series of self-contained episodes.

Written by Ray Galton and Alan Simpson, the show set the standards for sitcoms and was credited with creating a more modern brand of comedy.

The seventh and last series was broadcast in 1961, and featured classics such as The Radio Ham and The Blood Donor.

Hattie Jacques was an unsung star

Clive Dunn, of Dad's Army fame, told the crowd of 140 guests how he had previously unveiled a plaque to Jacques at her former home in London's Earl's Court, where she lived for 35 years.

He joked: "I tried to unveil her at 25 but she wouldn't let me."

Dunn said his friend, best known for a string of overbearing characters in the Carry On films, had been a "wonderful actress".

"She was a very talented and lovely lady."

Sid James' widow, Val, unveiled his plaque to ripples of applause after writer Harold Snow recounted anecdotes of the comic actor's passions for racing and gambling.

Sid James had many facets

Comic Heritage boss David Graham said the plaques would be moved from the ground floor of Broadcasting House to the Radio Theatre after major refurbishment was finished.

After the ceremony, radio presenters Mike Parry and Alan Brazil were honoured at a lunch at the Grovesnor House hotel, in London.

Their award was for best information And entertainment show for the No Nonsense breakfast show on talkSport.