Joan Bartholomew, the widow of Harpenden's famous Eric Morecambe, sadly died on her 97th birthday last month, following a short illness.

Joan, who married the comedian in Margate in 1952, has been described as a "devoted wife" and "the engine room" of famous comedy duo Morecambe & Wise.

She lived with Eric in Harpenden until his death nearly 40 years ago, in May 1984, and the couple had three children together – a daughter Gail and sons Gary and Steven.

Herts Advertiser: Eric Morecambe, Joan Bartholomew and King Charles III.Eric Morecambe, Joan Bartholomew and King Charles III. (Image: PA)

A statement issued on behalf of her children said: “It is with great sadness and the heaviest of hearts that we must share the news that our mother, Joan, has passed away peacefully at the age of 97 after a short illness.

“Our family kindly requests some privacy during this time while we grieve our sad loss.”

Joan's son Gary Morecambe later added: "Without her there would never have been the Morecambe & Wise we knew and loved.

"She was the engine room that made the whole machine work."

Herts Advertiser: Joan Bartholomew with Prince Phillip, the Duke of Edinburgh.Joan Bartholomew with Prince Phillip, the Duke of Edinburgh. (Image: PA)

Joan was made an OBE for charitable services in the Queen’s New Year’s Honours List in 2015 and was the founder and president of the Lady Taverners, part of the Lord’s Taverners youth cricket and disability sports charity.

In 2003, she became the patron of the supporters' trust for her late husband's favourite football team Luton Town, a role she continued to carry out until her death.

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Tony Murray, chair of the trust, told the BBC: "She's been our patron since the inception of the trust and it’s very sad news, lovely lady, her support meant a lot to Luton fans and she will be missed."

Mrs Bartholomew admitted in 2018 that she was still being stopped by Morecambe and Wise fans while shopping in Harpenden.

She commented: "People don't seem to tire of them, they're everlasting really."

Herts Advertiser: Joan Bartholomew and a statue of her husband Eric Morecambe.Joan Bartholomew and a statue of her husband Eric Morecambe. (Image: PA)

Harpenden's theatre, the Eric Morecambe Centre, was named after the great comedian.

His comedy partner, Ernie Wise, sadly died in 1999 aged 73.