Doddy's goodbye to landmark stage

The Pavilion is central to New Brighton's seafront

Comedian Ken Dodd is to bring the curtain down on a landmark theatre before it is completely overhauled.

The Floral Pavilion at New Brighton in Wirral, a feature of the resort's waterfront for nearly 100 years, closes down on 1 April.

It will reopen 18 months later after a multi-million pound refurbishment.

Liverpool-born Dodd will be the final performer with his Happiness show in a month-long programme for the old theatre's "send off".

The refurbishment includes the theatre, conference and event facilities, as well as new bars and a cafe.