Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ

Lenny Henry and co have been making us laugh for years to raise money for Comic Relief. This year, we're launching our Comedy Idol competition to give you the chance to tickle some funnybones.

If you're over 18 and think that you could give Eddie Izzard a run for his money or have ever watched Lee Evans and thought, "I could do that", then this is the competition for you.

Make sure you buy a red nose for Comic Relief

All you have to do is send in a CD or cassette of yourself performing an original two minute stand-up routine. Send your entry, together with your contact details to this address:

Comedy Idol
Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Radio Solent
Broadcasting House
Havelock Road
Southampton
SO14 7PU

The closing date for entries is March 4th 2005.

A panel of judges has been specially chosen to review your comedic efforts as they come in. A selection will be played on Julian Clegg's Solent Today programme with the panel members sharing their opinions.

Nicholas Parsons and Alun Newman

Amongst those casting their expert ears over the entries are Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Radio Solent's own comedian Alun Newman and entertainer Nicholas Parsons.

Nicholas is well equipped to judge your efforts. As well as being the chairman of Just A Minute, Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Radio 4's panel game, he is also a well established comic actor having appeared in programmes such as The Benny Hill Show and The Comic Strip Presents...

The judges will choose their top three comics and then it'll be your chance to have your say. The entries from the three finalists will be available to listen to online and a special phone line will be opened so that you can vote for your favourite. Proceeds from all calls will go to Comic Relief.

The overall winner will be announced on March 11th 2005 - Red Nose Day, and will get the chance to test their material on a live audience during an open-mic slot at Jongleurs Comedy Club in Southampton on March 17th 2005.

So what are you waiting for? Grab your tape recorder and start thinking funny!

Entries are non-returnable. Your entry may be streamed online at bbc.co.uk/southampton. The judges' decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into. The Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ will not use your personal details for any other purpose.