WORLDWIDE Laurel and Hardy fans are set to gather in Ulverston for a major event next month.

Dedicated fans of the comedy duo will be descending on the South Lakeland town for the 20th biannual Laurel and Hardy convention.

More than 200 fans are set to descend upon the Stan Laurel's birth town, travelling from as far as Egypt and America.

Chris Coffey, 68, who will be attending the event and has helped to organise it, is thrilled that the convention is going to be in the UK - if only because it will save him paying for an international flight.

This will be Mr Coffey's seventh convention, and only the second time that one has been held in the UK.

"The bottom line is that they make me laugh continually, no matter how often I have seen them" he said. "It's a very clean humour so it appeals to all ages.

"The appeal is worldwide because the films were popular in their day, as far away as China. Silent films were very easy to show in other countries as there was no language barrier."

During the convention, which takes place from July 13-17, the 220-strong group will enjoy catching up with old friends who they have made because of their shared love for Laurel and Hardy, as well as trips around the Lake District and an exciting live video link with America.

The Skype call will take place between the convention in Ulverston and Harlem in Georgia, the birthplace of Oliver Hardy.

There will also be a trip to the Laurel and Hardy Museum and Ulverston Brewing Company is producing a special beer to commemorate the event.

Mr Coffey, who lives in St. Helens, was also excited by the bid to set a new world record for a custard pie fight which is being held at Ford Park on June 18.

He said: "Laurel and Hardy epitomise fun and laughter and I am sure the shades of Stan and Ollie will be smiling down on Ulverston’s bid to set a new record for this classic slapstick gag."