TOP stand-up comedians are to gather for a tribute evening in honour of comic Dave Purdy who lost his battle with cancer earlier this year.

Mr Purdy, aged 48, from Little Hulton, was a respected regular on the Greater Manchester comedy circuit before his death in February, just four months after being diagnosed with lung cancer and a brain tumour.

Now friends and colleagues have arranged a benefit show, in aid of Cancer Research, at comedy hot spot, the Frog and Bucket, in Oldham Street, Manchester, where Mr Purdy was awarded a prestigious comedy newcomer award by Johnny Vegas in 2003.

Money will also go to the Christie Hospital in Manchester, where Mr Purdy was treated during his illness. His widow, Yvonne, said: "He's being remembered just as he would have wanted. At his funeral, about a dozen comics got up and did a turn and now I'm really looking forward to the stand-up night.

"It's a wonderful way to get something positive from this.

"But it will be sad, too, because we miss him every day."

Mr Purdy quit his day job writing for fanzines and teaching after realising his dream to become a comedian.

In addition to appearing on the stand-up circuit, he regularly taught classes in how to become a comedian.

Fellow comedian and friend, Paul Haslam, who is organising the event, said: "He was very talented and he was so close to becoming a full-time comic.

"We decided that this would be a perfect event to raise money for the charities which helped him."

There are 200 tickets available for the tribute event, to be held on September 6, priced at £10. Comedians taking part include Phoenix Nights Justin Moorhouse, who plays Young Kenny, and Toby Hadoke, the current holder of the Les Dawson Award for Comedy.

Book online at www.frogand bucket.com or contact 08701 451193.

For further information, contact Paul Haslam at Urban Comedy on 01706 639106.