AN EAST Lancashire Comedy Club is preparing for its next show following the success of its resident compere.

Martin Cassidy of the Lock n Load Comedy Club has reached the final of Manchester's City Life Comedian of the Year competition.

Martin fought off competition from across the region to gain a place in the final to be held on Sunday, November 3 at the Buzz Club in Manchester.

The next Lock n Load show falls on the night before and Martin will be compering as usual to warm-up for the big night.

Martin said: "It's going to be an excellent night, I'm concentrating on preparations for the City Life final at the moment, but I'll be at Lock n Load on the 2nd."

London based Cole Parker is set to headline the Lock n Load gig with support from Shazia Mirza and Burnley's own Mike Landers.

Cole Parker has toured with the likes of Ed Byrne and Harry Hill, and he also writes and co-presents with Craig Charles for BBC6 Music.

Shazia Mirza is well known on the London circuit for her deadpan delivery and intelligent parody of what it means to be a female Muslim in modern Britain.

Burnley comic Mike Landers is a relative newcomer to the circuit but is rapidly establishing himself.

He will open the show with his particular combination of topical satire and cutting sarcasm.

The show starts around 8.30pm and the organisers say that people should book their seats early for which there is a £5 cover charge. Visit www.locknloadcomedyclub.com for details.