A MAN from Bury is battling to be named the best new comedian in the North West.

The regional final of the BBC New Comedy Awards is taking place on Wednesday, at The Buzz Comedy Club, in Manchester.

Leading stand-up comedian Toby Foster will be compering the evening. Six stand-up comedians will battle it out to earn a place in televised Showcases being held in London during June and July, and filmed for BBC Choice.

The best of the stand-ups will then be invited to the grand final at the Edinburgh Festival in August.

Among the regional finalists is Bob Kope from Bury.

Now in its seventh year, the BBC New Comedy Awards is the UK's biggest competition of its kind.