STAFF at an arts venue are celebrating after winning a top award.

The Komedia in Gardner Street, Brighton, was named Best Venue in the South at the Chortle Awards for comedy.

The news followed an online poll of 6,000 comedy fans from a shortlist chosen by independent industry experts.

It is the 14th time Komedia has scooped the prize.

Gay-friendly Komedia comedy night Bent Double also picked up a gong for Best Club – the third time it has been awarded the accolade.

Komedia’s managing director and founder Colin Granger said: “I’m thrilled that Komedia has been voted best venue in the South for the 14th time, it’s a real honour.

“We’ve built up an amazing comedy audience and our two Chortle awards this year are down to our customers and the hundreds of acts we have every year voting for us.”

Mr Granger said he and his staff do not get carried away, despite the large awards haul.

He said: “The yearly announcement of the Best Venue in the South is a big event at Komedia and we certainly don’t take it for granted that we’ll win it.

“It’s a team effort – Stephen Grant and our programmers booking such brilliant acts and the amazing Komedia team making sure we’re the best place to see comedy.”

Bent Double was started by Zoe Lyons more than ten years ago and it has since become one of the most successful events at Komedia.

Mrs Lyons said: “I’m absolutely delighted that Bent Double has once again been voted best club night in the South.

“The night’s success is due to the continued loyalty of the up for it crowds who come along each month, the acts who thrive in the atmosphere and the fabulous staff at Komedia.

“It’s a team effort and a joy to be part of.”

Mr Granger said that the future for his venue was bright.

He said: “At the moment we are just concentrating on keeping Komedia Brighton and Bath ahead of the game.

“We’ve got some ideas but it’s a little too early to announce anything yet so please watch this space.”

Komedia Brighton was founded in 1994 by Mr Granger, wife Marina Kobler and David Lavender.

It was based in Manchester Street in Kemp Town before moving to North Laine in 2000.

The annual awards, now in their 16th year, took place on Monday at Up The Creek Comedy Club in London, hosted by Clive Anderson.

Other winners included comic Romesh Ranganathan and television comedy Fleabag.