FORMER Star editor Alan Whalley wrote this atmospheric flashback featuring the Nut from Knotty Ash.

In his much-loved Whalley’s World feature, Alan wondered if the old time tipplers at Chessie’s pub might have been responsible for ‘persuading’ Sir Ken to focus more on his comic routine and put his career as a lyrical tenor on hold.

Alan wrote: “It’s the venue where Ken Dodd, legendary ‘Nut from Knotty Ash’ was reputed to have been paid ten bob (50p in new money) to perform as a fledgling tenor.

“The correct title of that old Cooper Street watering hole is the Exchange Vaults.

“But nobody ever called it that.

“It was universally known as Chessie’s, in honour of succeeding generations of the pint-pulling Chesworth family who held the licence there for decades.

“I fear that only fond memories will be left for those survivors of more than half a century ago. Memories such as Doddy’s debut, when his wild-eyed toothy expression, in hitting the top notes, created the kind of chuckles that would surround him for the rest of his sparkling showbiz career.

“Was it because of his Chessie’s experience, perhaps, that the leader of the Diddy Men chiefly switched from ballads to his own unique brand of zany humour?

“(Though it must be mentioned that Ken’s vocal efforts also shot him into the charts).”