Eric Morecambe was one of the UK's best loved comedians

But now Eric Morecambe's famous black glasses have gone missing.

The Lancastrian legend, who died in 1984, formed one half of the UK's most successful ever comic act with Ernie Wise.

And researchers want to borrow his glasses for an exhibition celebrating the North West's rich comic heritage.

Despite a year of searching, they have drawn a blank and have turned to the public for help.

'Grin Up North'

John McGoldrick, the curator behind the Grin Up North exhibition, said: "Grin Up North is all about the spirit of northern humour and Eric is one of the most celebrated figures in northern - and indeed British - comedy.

"The wife of Les Dawson and the family of Albert Modley, another of Morecambe's favourite comedians, have been very kind in donating memorabilia.

"We just hope there's someone out there that can help with the glasses."

Eric's glasses were as much a part of his act as his blank looks to camera and his inelegant dancing.

A statue of Eric, in familiar pose, was erected in Morecambe

The comedy duo's television show was so immensely popular that celebrities would fall over themselves to appear on it.

Most famously, they lampooned conductor and composer Andre Previn, who tried to conduct Eric through a rendition of Greig's Piano Concerto.

When he chastised him for playing the wrong notes, Eric issued the immortal reply: "I'm playing the right notes - but not necessarily in the right order."

Memorabilia collected so far for the Grin Up North exhibition include a replica of the Morecambe statue erected in the seaside town from which Eric took his name.

A costume Les Dawson wore in his last ever pantomime and a collection of mementoes from Ken Dodd have also been donated.

Comic inspiration

Other local comics featuring in the exhibition include Peter Kay, Dave Spikey, Johnny Vegas, Frank Randle and Albert Modley.

Beginning in Preston on 19 July, it is intended as a trip down memory lane for older people while showing younger people where the likes of Kay and Vegas got their inspiration from.

Born John Eric Bartholomew in 1926, he changed his name to Eric Morecambe when he began his comedy career, inspired by his hero George Formby.

He met Ernie Wise in 1939 and the two later formed a double act which became the UK public's favourite.

Their 1977 Christmas Show set a record when it was viewed by 28m people.