Raise a laugh to raise charity cash (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

Raise a laugh to raise charity cash

BUDDING comedians are invited to take centre stage and make the public laugh in a bid to support Team Mountain Mission (MM) and their chosen charities.

Television funnyman Nick Page will host an evening of laughs at Cirencester's Rock Club next Thursday (March 24), starting 7pm.

The event is being staged in support of MM, who are taking part in the gruelling Inca Challenge mountain bike race through the Andes in September to raise money for various local charities.

There will be four headline comedians for the event but there will also be an opportunity for local talent to shine in an 'open mic' slot - just turn up on the night.

Nick, who lives in the Cotswolds and has appeared on various TV shows, including as a warm up act for the legendary musician Jools Holland, said: "If me shouting at strangers helps raise a penny or two I'm delighted to help out.

"All the headline acts are also promoters so it will provide an ideal opportunity for any up and coming comedians to show what they can do."

MM is made up of Standard Chief Reporter Paul Bull, personal trainer Mac McKinnon, carpenter Steve Barton and sports coach Gareth Richards.

The team will cycle 1,000km to raise money for the Cirencester Hospital Scanner Appeal, Cancer Research and the Parkinson's Disease Society.

The headline acts, who are travelling from all over the country to support the comedy event next Thursday are Pat Gallgher, Matt Price, Owen Niblack and Okse.

Admission on the door is £7 and includes the first drink free and free entry to The Rock Club later in the evening.

Anyone interested in supporting Team Mountain Mission can call Paul at the Standard on 01285 627319 or e-mail paul@mountainmission.co.uk .