RUDE jokes may not be a part of amateur comic Geoff Taylor's repertoire, but his humour can still be too close to the bone for some.

Geoff (32), of Barrett Court, Bury, won his way through to the second heat of the City Life Comedian of The Year competition, a launchpad for comic talents such as Caroline Aherne and Steve Coogan.

But while his subject matter on the night, the war in Afghanistan, did raise a few laughs at The Buzz Club in Chorlton, it also left one or two straight faces.

Geoff said: "The promoters said it was brave stuff, but may be a little bit controversial for some of the audience.

"I was basically questioning the current American action in Afghanistan."

"About a third of the audience loved it, a third laughed at some of it and about a third were staring at me with their arms folded." As his day job, mild-mannered Geoff works as an accountant at Bury rubber manufacturers Swintex. He also finds time to perform short stand-up routines at dedicated comedy clubs across the north.

According to Geoff, such venues are best suited to his particular brand of humour.

"It's a bit of social comment and a bit of politics," he said. "I'd probably die a death at a cabaret gig. That's mainly 'end-of-the-pier' stuff and mother-in-law gags and I don't really do that. I can imagine the ladies at the front throwing their drinks at me!"

And with his comedy career still in its formative stages, Geoff's plans are modest.

"I'm not really making money out of it but I am getting a few gigs and a bit of a reputation for myself.

"I don't think I'll be the next Johnny Vegas or anything. As long as I get a few longer slots, have a laugh and earn a bit of beer money, I'll be happy with that."