THE first ever Southampton new comedian of the year contest has been launched. 

Entries are now open for the competition, which offers the chance to appear alongside two top comedians and a cash prize.

It looks set to attract at least 100 budding performers. 

READ MORE: Jennifer Ellison to star in Take That musical Greatest Days

The competition, launched by the team behind The Attic comedy club in Totton, will get underway in the autumn.

Heats will run throughout September and October with semi finals taking place in November and the grand final on Saturday December 9.

In January, the winner will perform alongside Mock the Week and Never Mind the Buzzcocks regular Ben Norris, who has performed three solo shows at the Edinburgh Fringe, and award-winning comic, actor and writer Ian Smith. 

The competition is open to any non-professional act who has been performing for five years or less and entries from character acts, musical acts and sketch groups are welcome.

All contestants must live in or around Southampton and perform up to five minutes of material.

Enter at theatticsouthampton.co.uk