THE Edinburgh Fringe is on the horizon, and so it is time again for the finest comedians in the land to journey to York to road-test their hour-long shows for the Scottish marathon that lies ahead in August.

Over the next nine weekends, 18 acts will be smartening up their act for the Fringe at the Other Side Comedy Club in the City Screen Basement Bar.

"Last year 's run of shows included Phil Nichol, who won the award for best solo show at the festival, Brendon Burns, Lucy Porter and Russell Howard, and this year 's line-up looks even better, " promises Other Side promoter Toby Clouston-Jones. Full details will follow next Friday.

The preview season opens on Sunday with two of the circuit's rising stars, the familiar bristles of Dan Atkinson and Bristol's Jon Richardson.

Former University of York philosophy student Dan Atkinson was the founder and resident compere of The Other Side.

"For almost six years, he effortlessly held the show together with his witty banter and charm, finding comedy where it might appear there was none, " says Toby.

"He went to last year 's Edinburgh Fringe as part of The Comedy Zone team and received rave notices as well as playing to a few thousand people. In the past year, he has played all over the world in an attempt to not only bring laughter to audiences but also bring back the shaggy beard as an essential facial feature."

Jon Richardson started his career in stand-up a couple of years ago when he won the local heat of the BBC New Comedian Of The Year Competition in his home town of Bristol.

"A furious work rate and astounding self-belief has had him rising up the ranks at breakneck speed, culminating in Jon supporting hot property Alan Carr on his UK tour last autumn, " says Toby.

"This led to Jon cohosting BBC 6 Music's coveted Sunday morning show, alongside Russell Howard, which has created a huge fan base for his ability to turn any subject into comedy gold."

Doors open at 7.30pm for Sunday's 8pm start. Tickets: £8, concessions £7, on 0870 758 3219.