First North West comedy awards presented

The stars of the north-west comedy scene have been honoured in the region's first comedy awards.

Peter Kay, Craig Cash and Hollyoaks actor Alex Carter were among the winners at the black-tie event, held to coincide with the Manchester comedy festival.

Liverpudlian John Bishop was named best stand-up on the north-west comedy circuit, with Seymour Mace - who's actually originally from the north-east - best breakthrough act.

He was presented with his award by Johnny Vegas, who ate the envelope containing his name.

He joked: "It's like I'm absorbing his comedy power. Elvis dies on drugs - I die on cheap ink."

The night also saw the presentation of the second Les Dawson Comedy Award for Services to Comedy, which went to John Marshall, aka Buzz comedy club promoter Agraman.

He said: "The wider comedy community might share my delight at being officially recognised after 20 years of punning:

Last year the award went to  Toby Hadoke, regular compere at the XS Malarkey night, which was named best comedy club this year.

Kay won best touring show for his Mum Wants A Bungalow tour, Cash and writing partner Phil Mealey won best comedic writing for Early Doors - whose star Mark Benton won best comedic performance on TV, and Carter scooped 'best comedic performance in a soap'.

There was also a hong for 'best comedy content in a radio show, which went to GMR's Michelle Mullane.

Published: 30 Oct 2004