COMEDIAN Peter Kay has been named the second-funniest comedian in Britain.
The Bolton comic polled 29 per cent of the votes in a survey by men's magazine Nuts.
But his rival, Ricky Gervais, narrowly beat him with 31 per cent.
The pair are seen as the heavyweights of British comedy, thanks to the success of their hugely popular sitcoms.
Peter Kay's Phoenix Nights series on Channel 4 captured the nation's imagination and has become a cult classic.
Kay also had a successful comedy tour - the most extensive ever staged by a comedian - which was backed up by large sales for his stand-up DVD.
He went on to star in the adverts for John Smith's bitter, which have propelled his standing in British comedy further, making phrases such as 'Ave It known across the land.
Ricky Gervais has also proved popular with his hit BBC comedy, The Office which picked up Golden Globes awards - the first time a British comedy has ever achieved won.
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