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The Caerphilly-based Tommy Cooper Society has held its annual Tommy’s Birthday Lunch at Coleg y Cymoedd’s Scholars Restaurant in Ystrad Mynach.

Tommy Cooper, a much-loved comedian and magician, was born on Llwyn On Street, near Energlyn and Churchill Park railway station, on March 19, 1921.

He spent much of his youth living in Devon however, and went on to become one of the UK’s best-known entertainers during the height of his fame.

The much-loved comic died of a heart attack on stage in London in 1984, with many in the audience initially believing it was part of his act.

The Tommy Cooper Society, whose patron is Sir Anthony Hopkins, was founded in the comic’s memory and raised funds for his statue to be erected in Caerphilly town centre.

Once that objective was completed, the society launched its Tommy’s Ticker campaign in 2014 to mark the 30th anniversary of Cooper’s death. Each defibrillator costs around £1,500.

Celebrating what would have been the comedian’s 102nd birthday, members of the Tommy Cooper Society enjoyed a meal prepared and served by students from the college on Friday March 24.

In attendance was Caerphilly County Borough mayor Liz Aldworth, who is a member of the Tommy Cooper Society.

Cllr Aldworth, who recently presented Scottish comedian Susan Calman with a fez while filming for her new television series in Caerphilly, spoke about her year as mayor during the event.