UP and coming comedian Andy Smith has landed himself a plum spot at a Manchester comedy venue -- after making his stage debut for the first time just a week ago.

The 33-year-old funnyman from Little Lever is set to perform an opening slot at top venue the Frog and Bucket, which will be broadcast live on BBC GMR on June 28. He was invited back to the venue after beating off ten other relatively established comedians in a competition at the Manchester venue earlier this week -- in his second ever live performance.

Andy, who works as a care assistant, made his comedy debut earlier this month in Channel 4 sponsored contest So You Think You're Funny, whose previous winners include Bolton's finest export, Peter Kay. He was so nervous that he says he could not see or hear the audience at the Liverpool venue because he was so busy concentrating on his material, which is a mix of observational and surreal comedy with a local angle.

Andy faced stiff competition from comedians who have been in the game for more than two years, but the show's organisers were so impressed that they directed him to another smaller contest at the Manchester venue. He performed a five minute routine at the Frog and Bucket to see off other competitors in a performance that "took the roof off," according to the venue's website.

Andy, who lives on Newmarket Road, said: "I never thought this would happen.

"I was terrified the first time I did this last week, but it seems to be paying off."

"It was something I did almost as a dare to myself, but now I'm definitely glad I did it."

"I can't wait to perform again. It's nerve-wracking but incredibly exciting at the same time."

But the question on The Gossip's lips is does he think he can follow in the footsteps of Mr Kay? "I don't know about that," He said, "But I'll definitely have a good go. It could be something in the water in Bolton, who knows?"