TOP comedian Justin Moorhouse is the latest big name lined up to top the bill at Blackburn's Lock 'n' Load Comedy Club next week.

And Manchester-based Justin, who has connections with both Blackburn and Burnley, hopes he'll receive as warm a welcome from Blackburn clubgoers as Rovers' latest signing received from football fans.

He said: "I'm looking forward to coming to Blackburn. I used to work for a transport company in Burnley so I know Blackburn quite well and I've got a friend who works for Blackburn Rovers. I hope I'll be made as welcome in Blackburn as Andy Cole."

The comedy club, based at the Wharf pub on Eanam, began hosting comedy gigs in November and is already developing a loyal following and attracting top talent off the city comedy circuits.

Justin, winner of The City Life Comedian of the Year award, has just finished filming the second series of Phoenix Nights, starring alongside Peter Kay.

He is a big name on the comedy circuit both in Manchester and London, and his appearance at Lock 'n' Load is something of a coup for the club's organisers.

"We're over the moon that Justin is headlining at Lock 'n' Load," said Martin Cassidy, resident compere at the club.

"He does a cracking show. We're still working hard to get Lock 'n' Load properly off the ground, but we must be doing something right if we can draw acts of this calibre. We've also got four other comics on the same bill that night, so it's going to be a little mad."

Also on the bill with Justin and Martin are Jason Cook, Rohan Adams and Nigel Clifford.

The Lock 'n' Load Comedy Club is currently a completely independent venture without any support from sponsors and is managing to run itself and pay for top acts from door takings alone.

Martin and his team are working hard to secure sponsorship for the club and continue to offer quality live entertainment to East Lancashire audiences.

Catch Justin at the Wharf Pub on Eanam on Thursday. Entry is £3 on the door and the laughs start at 8pm.

Contact Lock 'n' Load on 0771 924 2795 or email them through their website at www.locknloadcomedyclub.com