Council worker James Murgatroyd has won the chance to play at Britain's best-known comedy spot.

The 28-year-old of Fagley joker yesterday won the grand final of a prestigious national competition for up-and-coming comedians. James, a Bradford Council corporate investment officer, came joint first in the contest, called Damage, held at the Comedy Store in London.

His prize is a coveted ten-minute Saturday evening slot at the famous venue on January 29 when he will be on the same bill as established funnymen Sean Lock and Addy Borgh.

"It was really good and I'm really pleased to have won," said James, whose first show was in June at the Fnrr Fnrr Club at Fanny's in Saltaire.

"The whole day was a bit a nightmare to start with because the train was cancelled and I got there late and had to go on three-quarters of a hour after I arrived.

"We drew lots as well for the order and I went on first, which wasn't ideal. It was in the afternoon and there was no alcohol at the bar so everyone in the audience was stone-cold sober.''

Deepak Rawal, one of the judges, said: "He has a very strong stage presence and his material was very original. He actually caught the eye of the Comedy Store's owner, Don Ward, who has obviously seen some of Britain's best-known acts."

Damage is sponsored by the Health Education Authority as part of a smoking awareness initiative and competitors had to include at least some material about cigarettes as part of their act. James, a former pupil of St Bede's School in Heaton, and is in two minds about whether to pursue comedy full-time.

"I felt a bit guilty because there were other people in the event who were really desperate to make it,'' he said.

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