THE most famous comedy double act of all time is set to be reunited through a town twinning agreement.

Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy grew up on different sides of the world but now their home towns have begun a twinning process to commemorate their 'truly unique bond'.

Ulverston town councillors voted unanimously in favour of becoming a 'friendship town' with Oliver Hardy's Harlem, in Georgia, America, at a meeting on Monday night.

The decision comes after both towns were contacted by Sons of the Desert - a global society of Laurel and Hardy fans - who felt that officially linking the towns would be a good way to mark the arrival of the International Laurel and Hardy Convention, which will be held in Ulverston in July 2016.

Both towns are now in discussions about how best to commemorate their special relationship and a spokesperson for Ulverston Town Council said: "There will be a major event in the Coronation Hall for the convention and the idea will be to have a satellite link between Harlem and Ulverston where the two mayors can make a statement, we will send them a certificate, there will be a link to them on our website and perhaps an exchange of gifts."

The Gazette contacted the City Manager of Harlem, which has a population of 2,666 and is nicknamed 'Saw Dust'.

Jason Rizner, who has held the post for five years, said: "We’ve been in touch with Ulverston about the twinning process and we’re really looking forward to it. As I understand it, we’ll be participating using Skype or something similar, but I believe some Laurel and Hardy fans from Harlem are planning to be in Ulverston for the convention and the ceremony.

"We are excited about establishing a more formal relationship with Ulverston. We share a truly unique bond."

Ulverston's Mayor Cllr Bharath Rajan described it as 'a positive step forward' that could help boost the tourism trade in the festival town.

The friendship process also coincides with the 40-year anniversary of Ulverston twinning with Albert, a French town near the Somme.

Councillors are looking at ways to commemorate the occasion, with a wishing well being mooted - something Cllr Pat Jones jokes would be a good idea as 'it would pay for itself!"