Many top comedians have made their names through the rapturous reception they received in Brighton and Hove.

Now the city is to stage its first comedy festival at several different venues in October.

The two-week festival already has substantial sponsorship and a number of top names such as Lee Evans and Jenny Eclair have signed up.

The hope is that more exciting talent will be discovered during the festival to rival existing stars.

Brighton, with its young and cosmopolitan theatre and club audiences, is just the sort of place to appreciate a comedy festival.

If it is a success, even more people will be attracted to the city, which can then laugh all the way to the bank.