SIXTEEN comedy acts from York are among the 90 participating in the inaugural Great Yorkshire Fringe New Comedian of the Year heats.

Running since last Friday, these heats will be held each evening at 5.30pm in the Tea Pot on the festival village green in Parliament Street, culminating in Sunday's final in the White Rose Rotunda spiegeltent, when the finalists will perform to a panel of comedy industry judges at 5.30pm.

Representing the York area are Paul McGivern; Jam Jard; Michael James; Lewis J Dunn; Maxine Wade; Will Comedy; Charlene Murray; Joey McNamara; Tom Sleeman; Gary Holland; Philip Smith; Blaine Kenneally; Patrick Smith; Meg Rocky: Stephen Harper and Daniel Triscott, host of The Duke's Comedy Night at The Duke Of York pub.

Put on the spot when three of the competitors gathered at the White Rose Rotunda on Monday, Charlene Murray, 38, Tom Sleeman, 23, and Lawrence Cook, 19, defined what made them laugh.

"When someone is funny, that makes me laugh," said Charlene. "I know it is a simple answer but it is my only answer. There are many wonderful comics, but it's a rare joy when you come across one that makes you wee yourself with laughter."

Tom loves a pratfall. "No amount of writing and surrealism can beat the sight of somebody falling over, specifically a video on YouTube of an Irishman falling on ice in Dublin during a news report," he said. "I hope you enjoy the video; here's the link: youtube.com/watch?v=RZvCK2o6Zbo."

Brevity must be the soul of wit for Lawrence, who simply said: "Satire, cynicism and long wordy punchlines". His snappy humour and more besides can be enjoyed this week as the new faces of comedy congregate in York.

Tickets are on sale on 01904 500600 or at greatyorkshirefringe.com