Comic Lewis in line for US honour

Jerry Lewis raised a record amount during this year's charity telethon

US TV legend Jerry Lewis has been put forward for a Congressional Gold Medal to honour his comedy career and four-decade charity crusade.

Three senators have introduced a resolution to award Lewis the highest honour that Congress can bestow.

Lewis, 80, has raised $1.4bn (£745m) to fight muscular dystrophy through his annual telethons, which began in 1966.

Senator Frank Lautenberg said that kind of commitment "made America great", describing Lewis as "a great American".

"Jerry Lewis not only makes people laugh - his serious commitment to fight muscular dystrophy has improved the lives of thousands of kids," he said.

The 41st telethon was held on Monday and raised a record $61m (£32.5m).

Lewis was well enough to appear after recovering from a minor heart attack in June and battling pneumonia and lung condition pulmonary fibrosis.