FUNNY man Dave Spikey is leading a hunt for new comedy talent.

The Phoenix Nights star will host the North-west regional final of a competition to find a comedian in the same league as his pal Peter Kay.

Spikey is hosting J20's Last Laugh Comedy Search at Jongleurs in Manchester for wannabe comedians who have won through from pub evenings starting on February 26.

The winner from each final will compete for the grand title in London's West End on April 18. The top comic will win £1,000, a trip to New York and the chance to appear at Jongleurs comedy clubs around Britain.

The search kicks off on February 26, visiting 30 pubs around the UK. Two finalists from each pub will go through to six regional finals held in Jongleurs comedy clubs.

The competition is open to anyone who can get a giggle out of people, be it through traditional stand up, a comedy song, ventriloquism, impersonations or slapstick.

The grand final winner will receive a contract to perform at Jongleurs clubs around the UK, the opportunity to make an American audience laugh on New York's comedy strip and £1,000 in cash.