There were cheers and laughter as comedy legend Barry Cryer switched on the Christmas lights in his home town of Hatch End this afternoon.

The famous Two Ronnies and Morecambe and Wise writer told a quick joke, read a festive poem and began the countdown before pushing the plunger to light up the Christmas tree in Uxbridge Road.

Cryer, who has lived in Hatch End since 1967, was invited to do the honours by the town’s traders’ association, which has been organising the event for the past five years.

The 78-year-old, who still appears on BBC radio comedy show I’m Sorry I Haven’t a Clue and is currently on tour with his own stand-up show, spoke to the Harrow Times before switching the lights on.

He said: “I’m delighted to be here. It’s very good – it gives people a real buzz about the town. I try to get involved in a lot of stuff locally and it’s great the traders have organised this.

“I’m still working – we never retire, the phone just stops ringing. I love doing things like this and I probably qualify having lived in the area for 45 years.”

A small brass band played Christmas carols accompanied by a small choir before and after the event.

Shops up and down the high street laid on free festive treats and activities for families and children attending the switch-on.

Hatch End Conservative councillor Jean Lammiman said: “It brings a real sense of community to the area.”

Barry Cryer’s joke for the crowd: A woman is getting ready for a night out in her bathroom when she calls out to her husband:

“Darling, does my bum look big in this?”

“Be fair,” he replies, “It is quite a small bathroom…”