KEN Dodd said he was "discumknockerated" to perform at Bolton's Albert Halls last night -- that's Knotty Ash speak for over the moon.

The madcap comic says that audiences in the town are among his favourite and loved the show, held as part of the Bolton Festival.

He said: "I travel all over the country, but audiences here are among the warmest and most ticklesome in the country.

"On a scale of one to 10, they probably score an 11 on the Doddy tickle-o- meter."

He added: "That's why I keep coming back year after year. I can tell a joke in Bolton and get a huge laugh, but it won't raise a titter in Birmingham -- because they can't hear it!"

Ken said his sold-out show was designed to create a "laughter wave that would engulf the whole of Lancashire," adding: "Not that Bolton folk need any instructions in how to have a good laugh."

Doddy was recently voted the greatest Merseysider of all time -- an accolade that saw John Lennon and Paul McCartney relegated to the joint runner-up spot.

His hectic touring schedule takes in around 100,000 miles each year, but Ken said retirement has never crossed his mind.

He said: "How dare you. I've never even thought about it. Why should I when I love every second of doing my job?

"Anyway, it's not really a job. I've been doing it for nearly 50 years now and it's more like a hobby because I love it so much."

He said the secret of his success is giving the audience what they want.

He added: "People come to my shows in search of happiness and that's what I try to give them with humour aimed at all the family.

"Age is no barrier. Young, old, male, female, they all just want a good old-fashioned laugh."

THRILLED: Ken Dodd