POPULAR funnyman Jim Bowen made his return to BBC Radio Lancashire with a one-off show on Sunday - more than two years after resigning over an alleged racist remark.

Jim, 67, who grew up in Accrington and attended Accrington Grammar School, presented the Have I Got News for You Easter quiz to raise money for the tsunami appeal.

He was joined by guests including comedian Ted Robbins, Coronation Street's Vicky Entwistle and Tony Livesey, editor-in-chief of the Sunday Sport and Daily Sport newspapers.

The former Bullseye presenter resigned from his long-running morning show after calling a black person a nig-nog.

He apologised for the remark but denied it was racist, claiming that in his day it meant "not the sharpest knife in the box".

Jim, who now lives in Melling, near Carnforth, said: "The Sunday show was a one-off but it was very funny. I enjoy doing radio even though I am not back on a regular basis.

"The unedited version was actually funnier than the one that went out, but they couldn't have broadcast that one - it was too cheeky.

"It was nice to be back but I never had a problem with leaving. There was never any animosity.

"I always had a good relationship with the bosses at the station and there was never any intention to offend with my remark.

"It was very demanding presenting a regular programme and while you are doing it you have to turn a lot of other work down, like after-dinner speeches."

Since his departure from radio Jim has been busier than ever, having recently appeared in the video single Is This the Way to Amarillo? featuring Peter Kay.

He will also be appearing at the Edinburgh Festival later this year.

However, Jim is probably best-known for his stint on Bullseye, the popular TV darts game show which ran from 1980 until 1995 and has now become a cult programme, with legions of fans calling for its return.

He said: "I had a lot of fun doing it and if I was asked to do it again I probably would.

"I would certainly sit down and talk with them about it."