Tributes to legend Harry

Phillip Harrison said his 85-year-old father, who died at Russells Hall Hospital, Dudley, late on Tuesday night, was due to visit his house in the south of France for a short break in the next few weeks, and was feeling in "high spirits."

Mr Harrison also revealed his father had told him how he was "on top of the world" during their last phone conversation on Sunday morning following a recent blood transfusion to treat his mild anaemia.

He said his father had been in "high spirits" and was going out to mow the lawn after their chat.

The comedian was taken into hospital on Monday after suffering a stroke at his Coseley home and died the next day after suffering a heart attack in hospital.

Mr Harrison, aged 62, described his father as a "brilliant" dad whose death had come as a "massive shock".

"I can't believe he's gone because he said he felt on top of the world after his recent blood transfusion," he said.

"I only spoke with him on Sunday, and the next thing I knew was when I got a call on Monday to say he'd had a stroke.

"Apparently his last words before he got in the ambulance were 'Don't bother Phillip, I'll be OK'.

"He was still reasonably coherent on Monday because he was talking to my mother and relatives, but by the time I got back to England on Tuesday he was unconscious.

"I know he was quite famous around here as a comedian and entertainer, but to me he was just a brilliant dad.

"He was unbelievably professional and had a real gift at captivating audiences both young and old."

The veteran entertainer and poet was one of the best known faces on the area's comedy circuit and one of the founders of the popular Black Country Night Out events. He was well-known for his odes to the area he grew up in.

He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Florence, his son, Phillip, his daughter-in-law, Pamela, and his two grandchildren, Nick and Ruth. No date has yet been set for his funeral.