COMEDY king Jason Manford took to the Parr Hall last night for a show that left Warrington residents with some of the biggest smiles they will have had in a long time.

He doesn’t get many gifts when he is out in tour but when he does – they are rather special.

At ‘one of the best gigs’ of his ‘Like Me’ tour, Jason was gifted a huge Dairy Milk chocolate bar that read ‘Jason. You’re awesome’.

It even had the badge of his favourite football team – Manchester City – on the front of it. It came with a thank you card as well.

The 40-year-old comedian wrote on Facebook: “Lovely little (!) fan gift backstage at Warrington tonight before one of the best gigs of the tour!

“I’m supposed to be calorie counting but sod it, I’m nailing a slab of this!

“Thanks Warrington, and great support from Nina Gilligan.”

And Emma Mills, who provided the gift, commented on the post too: “You’re welcome Jason! Enjoy! As I said calories don’t count on tour! Thank you for an amazing gig tonight.”

For many of those who went, they bought their tickets ahead of the Covid-19 pandemic. Jason said at the gig that when he booked the tour he never thought he'd be excited to be in Warrington on a weeknight.

But, after the past 18 months, he couldn't wait to get there.

Nina, who was supporting Jason, said it was an absolute pleasure and that Warrington were outstanding.

Lots of fans were best pleased with what they saw as well.

Jennifer Louise said: “BEST GIG!! And thanks for the vino Jason Manford!”

Jason Stevenson added: “Just left the gig and you were brilliant, very funny and we laughed all the way through (I have told my mates to go and watch you!)."

Ann Lee said that her sides hurt from laughing.

"Nina Gilligan is definitely one to watch out for," she added. "So funny! Although some of the jokes hit a nerve with hubby, I could see the nostrils flaring,” she joked.

Linda Cooke added: “Brilliant night! Thanks Jason loved every minute  not laughed as much in a long time!”

Jude Flint, from Warrington and living in Australia, explained how Jason's post made her homesick and gave her a craving for Dairy Milk.

"Glad you had a great night there, and enjoy your chocolate," she added.

Marie Nixdorf Sutch said that we can be such a lovely lot in Warrington - and I'm sure Jason agrees.

Jason is doing back to back nights in the town at the Parr Hall. Limited tickets for tonight’s, Thursday show can be found here.