The show goes on for Bernard

Bernard Cribbins

OLDHAM-born entertainer Bernard Cribbins revealed he can’t stop working as he received his OBE.

The 82-year-old was awarded the honour for services to drama for a long career which has included appearances in several “Carry On” Films, being the voice of “The Wombles”, appearing in “Doctor Who” and even being in the pop charts.

But Cribbins has no intention of retiring, and joked: “If you know of any work that’s going I’ll take it. I love it, I can’t stop, why should I? I’m still able to read and write.”

He was presented with the OBE by the Princess Royal at a Windsor Castle investiture ceremony and said after the event that providing the voices of characters such as Uncle Bulgaria, Tobermory and Orinoco was simple because of how “The Wombles” was written.

“The structure of the writing was such that you knew exactly where everybody was socially in that household,” he said.

Cribbins said that he enjoyed “a nice little chat” with Princess Anne about providing boats suitable for disabled people, which is a cause they both support.

The first Wombles book was published in 1968 and, after it was broadcast on “Jackanory”, the BBC decided to make an animated series.

“It was lovely,” Cribbins said. “It was great fun, but the reaction since is what is enjoyable with different age groups.

“I can almost identify people’s ages just by what they are saying. It was a very nice episode in my career.”

His longevity is demonstrated by appearances in the 1966 “Doctor Who” feature film “Daleks’ Invasion Earth: 2150 A.D.” and the “Doctor Who” TV series which was revived in 2005.

His latest part is as undertaker Mr Sowerberry in “Oliver Twist” for a radio play.