THE showbiz world is mourning the death of the entertainer Roy Hudd who became one of the nation's treasures as the host of BBC's long running radio show The News Huddlines.

Croydon born Corrie star Roy, who has died at the age of 83 after a short illness, was a comedian, actor, presenter, radio host, author and authority of musical hall entertainment.

In recent years millions of Coronation Street fans saw him play undertaker Archie Shuttleworth.

He became a household name co-hosting BBC 2 satire show The News Huddslines which ran from 1975 to 2001.

But in the early days the genial comedian was also making the huddlines at the Southampton International Boat Show.

He was among long list of glittering names who have pushed the boat out on a event which is now woven into the city's social calendar.

Launched in 1969 The boat show's famous showbiz crew has included actor Warren Mitchell of TV's Till Death Us Do Part fame, master magician Paul Daniels, Our Girl star Michelle Keegan and F1 racing pundit Eddie Jordan.

After touring the spectacular multi-million pound boat show marina Roy joined a party of guests pictured here on the top deck of a bus specially rigged out for the bubbly occasion.

The chirpy comedian can be seen in the front row (extreme right) of this picture smiling and raising a glass as the party gets into the full swing.

Pictured at the rear of the bus (top left) is a rather wind swept former Daily Echo journalist Duncan Eaton who remembers that it was a jolly party and the bubbly flowed along with Roy's famous one liners.

More than 30 years later Duncan was to meet up again with the legendary entertainer in a very different setting – 11, Downing Street.

The Southern Daily Echo played a major role in Whitehall's campaign against ageism which was launched in the late nineties.

The paper ran a series of articles on local people who were role models in being age positive which culminated in a glittering award ceremony at London's Lancaster House.

Presided over by the then Minister for Pensions Ian McCartney, the prestigious event also marked a hat-trick for the Daily Echo.

The paper had been involved with the government's campaign against ageism since it was launched three years previously.

Every year the Daily Echo circulation area produced winning nominations in both the individual and company category.

Southampton's Over-50s Festival chairman Norma Campbell won national acclaim by landing a Whitehall award for being age positive.

While the Southampton-based First bus company picked up an award in the company category for its age positive policy.

Nearly half the firm's 700 strong squad of drivers were then aged over 50.

The icing on the cake was a special reception at 11, Downing Street at which the Daily Echo award winners were hosted by the government.

Among the VIP guests was Roy Hudd who Duncan recalled mingled with the award winners and signed autographs.

Duncan said: “Roy was charming and friendly and had a kind word for everyone. He was a wonderful entertainer and real gent. It is sad to hear of his passing.”

The veteran entertainer was also a shining example of how you can be age positive, working right up to the end.

In 2018 he played Mr Tom in Goodnight Mr Tom, based on the charming children's novel. Last year Roy toured the UK in a production of of Oscar Wilde's play A Woman of No Importance alongside Liza Goddard and Isla Blair as well as appearing in an episode of the TV soap Casualty.

He was a true professional who kept the Age Positive flag flying.