Jasper has been great supporter of the charity for many years and was recently appointed a life vice president.

He said: “If I am still alive by May 2nd, it will be my pleasure to entertain many close friends from the world of journalism and entertainment.

“Nothing is planned so nothing can go wrong? I am so looking forward to it I have bought a new bib and a pair of socks. Come and join me, I would dearly love to see you all. “

Derek Inman, chairman of the charity’s Midlands District, said: “Jasper at 80 – what a milestone. He is a true legend, One of the funniest comics the region has ever produced. It is a real honour that he has chosen to celebrate this special occasion with us.”

Jasper, described by Jeremy Clarkson as “easily the funniest stand-up I’ve ever seen”, has enjoyed a career spanning five decades which reads like a history of comedy classics. Among his many accolades are BBC TV Personality of the Year, a Gold Medal at the New York TV and Film Awards, Midlander of the Year Award, his own ‘Star’ on Birmingham’s Walk of Stars and the British Comedy Awards Lifetime Achievement Award in 2008. In recognition of his outstanding work for charity, Jasper was awarded an OBE in Her Majesty’s New Year’s Honours List in 2003.

Robert Norman Davis was born in Shaftmoor Lane, Acocks Green, in Birmingham, and educated at Acocks Green Primary School and Moseley Grammar School. He worked as a trainee buyer at a city centre department store, with schoolmate Bev Bevan, who didn’t do badly for himself either, the musician featuring in the Move, Electric Light Orchestra and Black Sabbath.

Acquiring the nickname Jasper aged nine, the aspiring entertainer added Carrott when he was 17, a stage name that has done him proud, supporting an ever-burgeoning talent that has seen him perform to packed audiences worldwide.

Other eclectic works have included hit single Funky Moped and being part-owner of the production company Celador, makers of Who Wants To Be A Millionaire, until selling out some years ago.

He and his wife Hazel, a former journalist herself, have four children and a home in the Warwickshire countryside.

An afternoon with Carrott – celebrating Jasper at 80.