MAX Bygraves’s fans from across the country are putting pen to paper to send their greetings to the veteran entertainer.

The popular singer, writer and comedian who lived in Bournemouth for many years before moving to Queensland, Australia with his late wife Blossom, is suffering from Alzheimer’s.

His daughter Christine wrote to the Daily Echo asking readers to send cards to Max, 89, who was awarded an OBE in 1982.

She said the father-of-three was facing his condition “with courage and good humour”.

She added: “One of Max’s great pleasures is receiving postcards.

“We take a daily walk to the letter box and I am sure receiving your cards would be uplifting for him.”

Among those sending greetings down under are Ray Townson, 87, and his wife, Enid, 83, from Poole Road, Bournemouth who recall the much-loved star opening local church fetes.

Ray said: “We miss Max – he was a great entertainer and a great man.”

Enid reminisced: “We used to see him at Chez Fred’s fish and chip shop.

“He had a nice personality and, although I never spoke to him, I enjoyed being in his presence.

Alan Norbury, 74, from Blackpool, said he would also be writing to Max.

He added: “I remember him saying, during his last stand-up show at our Grand Theatre, that he was not turning his back on Great Britain.

“His health wasn’t very good and he ended up getting a standing ovation.

“I’m so glad I was there.”

Loyal fan Pam George, 81, from Hayling Island, Hamp-shire, also plans to send Max a postcard.

She said: “I’ve seen him in London at the Victoria Palace and Palladium, as well as in Fareham and Brighton, and have many of his CDs.”

Josie Fiddy, 67, from Great Yarmouth, said Max’s songs brought back memories of her childhood.

She said: “He reminds me of the old days and I’m going to send him a postcard from Great Yarmouth, as I’m sure he once performed here.”

l Postcards should be sent to Max, c/o 2120 Fernlea Close, Gracemere, Hope Island, 4212, Qld, Australia.