A boss at one of Blackpool's main entertainment venues has joined thousands of people worldwide to pay tribute to popular comedy actor John Inman, who died aged 71 last week.

The actor whose catchphrase, I'm free', from the 1970's sitcom, Are You Being Served?, made him a household name at home and abroad.

Websites have been inundated with messages from fans from across the world and celebrities who worked with him have added their tributes.

His role as the camp Mr Humphries in the programme, which ran for 13 years, led to the actor being named BBC TV personality of the year in 1976 when he was also voted the funniest man on television by TV Times readers.

Mr Inman was born in Preston and moved to Blackpool when he was 12. He made his stage debut a year later at the resort's South Pier. Members of his family still live on the Fylde.

He had been suffering from Hepatitis A for some time and died at hospital in London on Thursday, March 8. Funeral arrangements have yet to be revealed Programme manager at the Grand Theatre, Phil Harrison, was hired as the actor's driver about eight years ago and was responsible for taking him to various UK gigs.

He said: "I got to know John eight or nine years ago when I was working for Kudos Productions. I was asked to take John and his partner, Ron, around the country on his tour.

"It was a bit scary as being stuck in a car with a stranger for hours can be difficult, never mind a famous stranger.

"But I did it and we had a great laugh all round the country, going out for meals nearly every night and getting to know each other. We kept in touch as well as we could, seeing each other around the panto season and catching up once or twice a year where possible.

"It would be nice for the Grand to do something to remember John. Blackpool was seen as his spiritual home and we should recognise that. We should make sure we celebrate his life, and make it a fantastic, funny occasion for everyone."

In recent years the actor was a pantomime regular, often taking on the role of the Dame. He also made appearances in BBC comedy show Revolver in 2004.

In December 2005 he and his partner of 35 years, Ron Lynch, took part in a civil partnership ceremony at London's Westminster Register Office. Mr Lynch, is said to be "devastated" by his death.

Tributes on the Citizen website include comments from fans living in the US and South Africa. Tauny from the US said: "The world is a sadder place without you."