THEY may be too young to remember the entertainer in his heyday, but they still enjoyed swapping jokes with one of Britain's most famous comedians.

Norman Wisdom became the first celebrity from the world of entertainment to visit Tracy Ann House, home of the Daily Echo-backed Youth Cancer Trust, when he called by while staying in the area earlier this week.

"He was as natural as he is in his films," said James Keating, administration manager of the charity, which provides free breaks away from hospitals and anxious parents for young people with cancer.

"He's a very kind gentleman, very caring. There are no airs and graces about him - even though he is Norman Wisdom OBE."

The holiday retreat, nestled away in a converted hotel in Westbourne, gives youngsters the chance to enjoy a number of different activities around this area including horse riding and a trip in a Sun-seeker yacht with others their own age who understand what they are going through.

One of the young people staying this week, James Wilson, blinded by a brain tumour, loves telling jokes and enjoyed meeting the man who has made generations laugh.

"He's an English institution. It's an honour that he popped in here," added Mr Keating.

If you could help raise money for the Youth Cancer Trust please contact James or Helen on 01202 763591.