STAN Laurel was given a hero’s welcome when he returned to his home town of Ulverston in 1947 during a national tour with screen partner Oliver Hardy.

He was greeted by huge crowds of fans and was able to visit his birthplace at 3 Foundry Cottages, later changed to Argyle Street .

The Ulverston lad was born as Arthur Stanley Jefferson in 1890, became a stage comedian by the age of 15 and began his screen career in 1917 – going on the star with Hardy in films such as Swiss Miss and Babes in Toyland.

The Mail, on May 27 in 1947 noted: “When the cars bringing the visitors drew up outside the Coronation Hall about 12.30pm a large crowd gave a vociferous welcome."