COMEDIAN Jimmy Carr was left both "surprised and delighted" after learning he had won the Lancashire Telegraph Trophy for the outstanding comedy performance at East Lancashire's first major comedy festival.

And he revealed that he will be coming back to Blackburn in April when he will thank his fans personally for voting for him.

Jimmy - one of Britain's leading stand-ups - was presented with his award by Telegraph features editor John Anson before going on stage at a sold-out Birmingham Symphony Hall as part of his Repeat Offender tour.

"I'm really pleased," he said. "I like coming up to Blackburn as the people are so friendly. I always go for a wander around town on the day of the show and chat to people - I'm probably funnier then than on stage - but I get a great reception up there."

In November the You Must Be Joking Comedy Festival was held at King George's Hall, Blackburn, and saw 16 different shows involving 50 performers including Frankie Boyle, Russell Howard, Frank Sidebottom and Rhod Gilbert.

For the Telegraph Award, a panel of judges shortlisted the five best performances with readers then being asked to vote for their favourite.

Jimmy was full of encouragement for the festival.

"I think that it is great that a town like Blackburn is holding a comedy festival," he said. "The key is to stick with it and help it grow. All the successful festivals started relatively small but have become important dates in the calendar."

A second You Must Be Joking Festival is being planned for November and Jimmy hinted that he would be back with a brand new show.

"I'd love to come back for the festival again," he said.

But one date is definite, his Repeat Offender tour will call in at King George's Hall on Monday, April 14.

Tickets are now on sale from the box office on 01254 582582.