THE funeral of a "larger-than-life" entertainer is set to take place tomorrow.

Graham Carrington - who was better known as 'Dave Penny' - was brought up in Blackwood and had an entertainment career spanning half a century.

The 74-year-old died following a traffic accident in Caerphilly county borough.

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Friend Maldwyn Thomas said: "He was always a really fun guy to be around.

"He was a window cleaner for a while. But when he reached 16-17 he decided to start singing and do comedy sketches in clubs.

"Dave spent most of his early career entertaining in the clubs of South Wales, before his talents were spotted and he appeared on the TV show Opportunity Knocks. This was hosted by Hughie Green. They heard him singing on the programme and this led to him becoming well-known all over the UK."

He added: "Soon he was signed up by EMI Record, where he recorded an Album called 'In for a Penny'."

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Mr Thomas is encouraging friends and fans to attend the funeral of Mr Carrington, who died in December, so the "best of send-offs" can be given.

"There are a lot of people out there who liked him," he said.

"They all need to come tomorrow for the funeral to show how much we thought of him."

The funeral will take place tomorrow, Wednesday January 23, from 9.30am at Gwent Crematorium.