But admits it may fail

Mark Thomas has added his voice for calls for the Perrier Award to be boycotted.

But the comic admits the campaign against the most prestigious prize in comedy was unlikely to be successful.

The left-winger, who plays a benefit gig at the Edinburgh Festival tonight, has lent his support to Rob Newman's calls to boycott the award in protest at Perrier owner Nestle's supposed role in promoting powdered baby milk in developing countries.

But he told the Scotsman: "This time comedians probably won't support the boycott, but at least the call has put them in the right frame of mind for next year."

Nestle has always denied claims of improper practice in the Third World, saying the claims were out of date, and Perrier award organisers point to how the prize has supported comedy for the past 20 years,

The Perrier shortlist is due to be announced tomorrow (Wednesday)

Published: 21 Aug 2001