A POPULAR Manchester comedian is recovering in hospital after being brutally attacked in a bar while on holiday in Spain.

Des Sharples, 39, a regular on the Manchester comedy scene, suffered a fractured skull, a fractured eye socket and a badly broken nose in Tenerife.

He had surgery and is now conscious and recovering.

Mr Sharples, from Stretford, who comperes the popular `Mirth on Monday' comedy nights at the Iguana Bar in Chorlton, was punched and kicked repeatedly in a bar in Las Veronicas.

His wife Karen, 39, was with him at the time and saw the attack. Mr Sharples, a father-of-two, was runner-up in City Life's Manchester Comedian of the Year in 2002.

Speaking from his hospital bed, he said: "I am as well as can be expected. It was supposed to be a quiet holiday. We just happened to go to the wrong bar. The first punch fractured my skull and then I was on the floor, lights out. But I am recovering. I want to thank everyone for their support."

A fund-raising event featuring some big comedy names is being planned for Mr Sharples.

Pascal Paschalis, close friend and owner of the Iguana Bar, said: "It is shocking news. He was badly beaten up. I could not believe it. He is the most placid guy you could ever meet."

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