His widow, Tracy Dawson, carried out the ceremony in Lytham St Annes, Lancashire.

The funnyman died of a heart attack in 1993 at the age of 62.

He was best known for appearances on the television game show Blankety Blank, playing the piano badly, and mother-in-law jokes.

Last night, wiping a tear from her eye, Mrs Dawson and her daughter, Charlotte, revealed the bronze statue on national television. She said: "What a wonderful honour and tribute it is for Charlotte and I and Les's fans for Les to be honoured in this way.

"For all the love and laughter he gave us all in his writing, off-key piano playing and, of course, his wonderful work for charity.

"It is a great honour."

As a blue cloth covering the statue was removed, fans cheered as the moment was beamed live by BBC1's One Show.

The memorial was created by Barnsley sculptor Graham Ibbeson and is situated in the sunken gardens on the North Promenade.

The unveiling was followed by a celebrity dinner at the Grand Hotel with guests including comedian Frank Carson and ex-footballer Sir Tom Finney.

Mrs Dawson had earlier described the memorial, saying: "The statue is larger than life, just like Les, and it captures his personality perfectly, right down to the twinkle in his eye."