IRISH funnyman Jimmy Cricket reckons there should be more at Morecambe's Winter Gardens and wants to see the grand old theatre returned to its former glories.

To paraphrase his famous catchphrase, the comic insists people should come here, there's more' when he talks about the dilapidated promenade venue.

And he says: "If I won the Lottery I would certainly throw a few bob in."

Restoration of the Winter Gardens could cost as much as £6 million but Jimmy adds: "A journey of a thousand miles starts with one small step.

"There is nothing like a proper theatre and you can tell the Winter Gardens is a proper theatre.

"Places like this should thrive. It is a lovely building and you can feel the history as soon as you walk inside and I would love to see the Winter Gardens back up and running.

"In fact, I would love to play here."

The comedian, who was once an almost permanent feature on television screens, called in to the Winter Gardens on his way to a show in Glasgow.

And he took time out to remember the good days he had in the area.

Speaking to the Citizen he said: "My son has done pantomime in the Dome and I have particularly fond memories of the area, especially Middleton Sands camp just down the road. I met my wife there and I loved everything about the place.

"I was working there and May, who is now my wife, had come across from Belfast on the boat with her mother and sisters.

"They were all working in the camp and May and her sister Margaret were an act there called the Tweedie Sisters - and we have been together ever since.

"Being in Morecambe brings back lovely memories and I hope that next time I am here this theatre is back where it belongs."