Fans salute comic Ayli

The evening was hosted by his stage partner Alan Smith – better known as Aynuk – with comedians including Halesowen funny man Tommy Mundon and Black Country favourite Harry Harrison having the crowd in stitches.

Singers and musicians who had performed with Aynuk and Ayli also got in on the act as the performers paid a fitting tribute to the comic who died in November.

Mr Plant's widow Linda, who fought back tears at several stages of the evening, said the wealth of performers had made her proud.

She was joined by 22-year-old son James and 24-year-old daughter Katie as guests of honour at the evening to raise funds for a memorial to her husband.

"It was an emotional night," Linda said. "I'm so proud of him and what he did on stage for the Black Country. I know Alan is missing him very much. I walked in here tonight and I was amazed how many people were here.

"The people he worked with were his friends as much as his colleagues.

It's hard to see everybody on stage and not see John there – it doesn't quite feel right but we are very grateful to everyone for what they have all done.

"John was a symbol of the area. Everywhere he went he was recognised and he was very proud of being from the Black Country." The cabaret-style evening with quick-fire acts of 12 minutes went down a treat with the audience of more than 400.

Netherton fan Joy Cole, 56, said: "He was one of those characters who didn't have to say anything for you to laugh at him. People from the Black Country are very proud of where they are from and Aynuk and Ayli symbolise that."

Jacqueline Haney, a 64-year-old fan from Netherton, said: "It's a big loss because Aynuk and Ayli complemented each other really well.

"It was a night of emotion but it was really entertaining – a fitting tribute."