SOUTHAMPTON'S wannabe funny men tried out their best material at a city centre open mike session.

Contestants hoping to make it big in comedy turned up to Jongleurs comedy club to perform for the camera as they auditioned for a place in a regional final.

Organised by Jongleurs, in association with the Spike Milligan Trust and the Smirnoff drinks company, aspiring comedians had to fill five minutes with material good enough to get them noticed.

Jongleurs managing director Lawrence Miller, said: "We are hoping we can find someone who has got what it takes to make it."

Jongleurs has helped launch the careers of many stand-up comedians including Frank Skinner, Rory Bremner and Harry Enfield.

The southern regional final will be held at Jongleurs in High Street, Southampton on June 11.

Tickets cost £5 and are available by calling 0870 787 0707 or visit www.jongleurs.com.