THE audiences of East Lancashire now have an alternative live entertainment venue which, it is claimed, they have long been crying out for.

The launch of the raucous Lock n Load Comedy Club means that a night out which is that little bit different need not involve travelling to Manchester or Liverpool.

A series of comedy gigs is being organised by Martin Cassidy at the Wharf Pub, Eanam Wharf, Blackburn.

Martin who will be resident compere is a giggling comedian himself and a regular on the Manchester comedy circuit.

He said: "East Lancashire has been in dire need of something like this for a long while.

"There is very little to do on a night out except go to the pub or see a film and I know that a lot of people are seriously bored with the situation.

"People are constantly complaining that nothing goes on in East Lancashire. Well now it does, and it's up to the audiences out there to get along and support these events.

"This is a use-it-or-lose-it situation and there is no excuse when you have live entertainment of this quality on your doorstep for a fraction of the price of Manchester clubs."

Lock n Load already has a long list of high profile comedians lined up to play the venue and Cassidy is confident that the gigs will go down a storm with audiences.

The next event is at the Wharf on Thursday, headlined by Tony Burgess of 11 O'clock Show fame. Entry is £3 and more information is available on 0781 248 8701 or by visiting www.locknloadcomedyclub.com