Margate needs an urgent make-over to clean up its tatty image according to top comedian Jim Davidson who has been a regular visitor to the town for around 30 years.

He said: “It’s mucky Margate these days – the Government should make cash available to clean it up and bring it back to its former glory. Get rid of the graffiti and sweep the streets - it is what’s needed at most of our seaside resorts around the UK.”

Shocked at the demise of Dreamland amusement park and the cinema – which were focal points for generations of visitors – Jim spoke out about the prospect of the multi-million pound Turner Gallery at the historic harbour. “What on earth does Margate need something like that for? It should play to its strengths as a seaside resort for families and spend money on getting cleaned up, so it is attractive. I have had many happy times in Margate and it isn’t good to see it looking so down.”

On this visit to the Winter Gardens on Saturday, September 27, Jim will be touring his new show, On The Offensive, which is flagged as “side-splitting, no holds barred, x-rated.”

The adults-only On The Offensive show on Saturday, September 27, starts at 7.30pm. Full ticket information is available from the box office, 01843 292795/296111, or at www.margatewintergardens.co.ukRead about Jim's memories of summer seasons in Margate in the Thanet Extra, out now.