YOU Must be Joking, the new comedy competition in Newbury's first-ever comedy festival, is looking for acts to take part in the event.

Whether you're a complete first-timer or someone who has done just a few slots here and there - but hasn't performed for more than 18 months - you can join in.

Drawn from across the country, each act will perform between three and 10 minutes of original material, and it's up to the audience to vote for their favourite.

The heat winners will go on to the grand final at Newbury Manor Hotel on Wednesday, July 14, where Laurence Miller, managing director of Jongleurs, will sit among the judges.

All the performers in the final will receive a Sailor Jerry box of goodies.

The overall winner will have the chance to perform at a Jongleurs Comedy Club at The Corn Exchange later in the year, as well as receiving a cash prize of £500.

Five heats will be held in various venues, including The Blackbird in Bagnor, The Fox Inn in Hermitage and in The Corn Exchange Balcony Bar itself.

To see the heats, audiences just need to turn up.

Tickets for the final, priced £7, are available from The Corn Exchange box office on 01635 522733.

More information on dates and times of the heats and the final, as well as online booking for other festival events, is available from www.newburycomedyfestival.com

The Newbury Comedy Festival runs from July 11 to July 17.