A HOSPICE which Ronnie Corbett helped fundraise for has paid tributes to the comedy legend who died on Thursday.

The Two Ronnies star supported St Wilfrid's Hospice which is located near his daughter's home in Eastbourne.

In 2013 he took time out to draw two art pieces for a special charity auction at the Broadwater Way centre.

Kathy Brown, from the hospice, said: “We were saddened to hear of Ronnie’s passing.

“Ronnie kindly contributed two fantastic pieces of art to our Big Art Secret in 2013.

“Thanks to him, there was lots of stifled laughter in the gallery throughout the exhibition. He made a lot of people in Eastbourne smile that summer.

“He was a great comedian and a great man, and we’re touched that despite his glittering career, universal popularity, and his own health struggles, he still took a moment out of his busy schedule to touch the lives of our patients and their families.”

Corbett died having been diagnosed with motor neurone disease a year ago.

The London-based comic had deep ties to Sussex having once lived in Crowhurst.

His two daughters, Emma and Sophie, still live in Eastbourne and Hove respectively.

It has emerged there were plans for Corbett to be knighted in the Queen’s 90th Birthday Honours later this year.

According to a national newspaper, a campaign had been led by comedian David Walliams amid concerns over his deteriorating health.

Downton Abbey creator Julian Fellowes, who sits on the arts and media honours committee, said yesterday he thought Corbett should have been awarded a knighthood.

The tributes continued to pour in yesterday, including from his fellow comedians.

John Cleese tweeted: "Just heard about Ronnie C. So sad. He had the best timing I've ever watched. He was a great, kind mentor and a wonderfully witty companion."

Ed Byrne tweeted: "I can honestly say that Ronnie Corbett wasn't just a great comedian, he was genuinely one of the nicest gentlemen in the business."