LOVERS of legendary comedy duo Laurel and Hardy are invited along to a special fan club celebration this week.

The Bonnie Scotland 'tent' of the worldwide Laurel and Hardy appreciation society Sons of the Desert is celebrating its 40th anniversary with movie screenings and activities.

Janice Hawton, one of the Bonnie Scotland members, explains: "Tent is the name for a local branch of the appreciation society and they are all named after one of the duo's films."

She smiles: "It's no real surprise the Paisley branch is called after the film Bonnie Scotland."

Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy appeared in more than 100 films together and became one of the world's best -loved comedy slapstick duos.

Bonnie Scotland is the oldest surviving Sons of the Desert branch in the United Kingdom.

First established in 1976, its dedicated members meet on the last Wednesday of every month at the Tartan Rose in Broomlands Street in Paisley to watch Stan and Olly in full swing.

As part of the group's 40th anniversary plans, a weekend of celebration kicks off on Friday (April 29) at 7pm, with a screening of Bonnie Scotland and a 1970s quiz to commemorate the first meeting.

Members are also being polled to select their favourite Laurel and Hardy short (a 20 minute film) and the winner will be screened after the main movie.

Further celebrations are planned for Saturday, April 30 at the Burgh Bar

Janice adds: "It is amazing to see that we have now had 40 years of laughing at Laurel and Hardy movies.

"Our regular meetings at the Tartan Rose are getting busier and I would encourage anyone who likes Stan and Olly to pop along and join in with the laughter.

“The fact that the tent has lasted 40 years is testament to the comedy genius of Laurel and Hardy.”