LOCAL comic Matthew Neil thought the joke was on him when the Citizen contacted him to congratulate him on his success at a recent comedy challenge.

Matt, 19, from Dixon Road, Blackpool, was astonished to hear that he had actually won local heats of The Cup a Soup Extra Comedy Challenge that took place earlier this month at Yates's Wine Lodge in Blackpool.

Matt explained: "I had to leave the event early and didn't find out who the winner was. I had heard one or two rumours but today is the first time I have had it officially confirmed.

"It is brilliant news for me and I am astonished -- I never thought that jokes about women would ever get me anywhere. But after one female contestant completely slated us men in her routine I decided to even up the balance a bit and was surprised how well it went down. Even women in the audience were laughing."

This means that Matt is now through to the regional final of the comedy challenge for the North West, which is taking place on April 11 in Manchester and carries a prize of £250. If he is successful he will be through to the grand final, which is to be hosted by television personality Jonathan Ross -- and boasts a staggering £10,000 in prize money.

Jonathan also sent words of encouragement to Matt as he said: "I'd like to congratulate Matt on winning the Blackpool heat of The Cup a Soup Challenge.

"If he wins the regional final, I will look forward to meeting him and stealing some of his jokes when I compere the grand final on April 26. I wish him the very best of luck."

The former Norweb Energy employee told the Citizen that he had always wanted to be a comedian when he was younger: "I've always wanted to perform as I really enjoy it. But as I got older I realised that it was a very hard dream to achieve and that I would also need another job."

When asked if he had been inspired by any famous comedians he said: "I like Jack Dee, I think my humour is most similar to his. I also like Paul Whitehouse and Chubby Brown.

"However, on the night of the local final, it was the female contestant and her jokes about men that inspired me to give the performance I did."