COMEDIAN Geoffrey Rowe of Lewdown, more commonly known by his stage name ‘Jethro’, has made the difficult decision to hang up his mic after 58 years.

The well-known Cornish stand-up comic took to his Facebook page to thank the public for their support over the years.

He said: “So I think it’s time to hang up my mic. It’s been a hard decision, but my memory has made it easier for me.

“I will honour all my dates booked in, but as of the end of December I will no longer be working my theatre tours.

“A great big thank you to everyone that has come to see me over the last 50 years, I’m sure I enjoyed your company more than you enjoyed mine.”

Jethro was born in St Buryan, Cornwall, in 1948. He later moved to Lewdown where he set up ‘Jethro’s Club’ where he would perform each year for charity. Over the years he has made a name for himself in theatre and on television, as well as on the rugby pitch, having at one time played more than 100 games for the Pirates Rugby Team, known today as the Cornish Pirates.

Following the announcement Jethro told the Post: “Well. The roads are so full of cars these days and my memory isn’t as good as it used to be. I will also be 72 next Sunday.

“I have been on the road for 58 years. I don’t want to be travelling up and down busy roads anymore.”

When asked if he would miss performing, Jethro said: “No. Not if there is a charity event or something, I might do that for a bit of fun!”

Mr Rowe will honour all dates booked but at the end of this year he will take his final bow as comedian Jethro.