Eric Morecambe has been named Lancashire's finest ever entertainer, narrowly pipping the likes of Stan Laurel, Gracie Fields, Les Dawson and Red Rum.

Writer Charles Nevin, has compiled the list to celebrate Lancashire Day, today.

The author of Lancashire, Where Women Die of Love, a celebration of the red rose county's unique contribution to the world, Nevin has chosen his entertainers from a wide field.

Wayne Rooney and Freddie Flintoff rub shoulders with LS Lowry, Fred Dibnah, Sir Thomas Beecham, Ian McKellen, raised in Wigan, Rex Harrison, born in Huyton, and the great pioneering and popularising television historian, AJP Taylor, from Birkdale.

Nevin said: "Lancashire has produced huge stars in every field of entertainment, from comedy to sport to music to bullfighting.

"The only really easy choice was Eric Morecambe at number one, because Eric was the absolute embodiment of the tremendous warmth and gift for humour of a county that above all knows how not to take itself too seriously.

"After that it got really tough - particularly who to leave out - although I think Les Dawson would have rather liked the idea of coming in after Red Rum."

Richmal Crompton, creator of the timeless and mischievous schoolboy, William Brown, is included along with Wallace and Gromit's creator, Nick Park.

And Frank Evans, El Ingles, the bullfighter from Salford, "proof," says Nevin, "that the Lancashire instinct to entertain knows no barriers or boundaries - or fear".

"This list proves that for breadth, depth and sheer variety, Lancashire is easily and indisputably the most entertaining place in Britain."