Summer Wine's Burt switches roles

Dec 1 2003 By Katie Campling, The Huddersfield Daily Examiner

EVEN rain could not ruin the parade at Holmfirth when screen star Burt Kwouk switched on the town's Christmas lights.

Manchester-born Mr Kwouk, 73, is best known for his roles in the six Pink Panther films during the 1960s, 70s and 80s.

He played Cato, the excitable oriental sidekick who staged comical surprise attacks on his boss, bungling detective Inspector Clouseau, played by Peter Sellers.

Since January this year, Mr Kwouk has featured in Last of the Summer Wine playing Entwistle, a Chinese electrical handyman from Hull.

Mr Kwouk arrived at 1.30pm to tour the town before the Christmas lights ceremony, organised by Holme Valley Business Association.

In the run up to the big switch-on, a fun fair was staged on Garside Estate, Santa arrived at Holmfirth Mills and Honley Majorettes performed in the church yard.

There was also a children's art competition in the church, run by Holme Valley Business Association.

About 200 children designed Christmas-themed postcards in the style of legendary funny Bamforths postcards, made in Holmfirth until the 1980s.

The cards were judged by Derek Bamforth, grandson of the postcard and film firm's founder James Bamforth.

Prizes for the winners will be presented in January.

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