STAND-UP comedy returns to Cirencester's Golden Cross Inn on Friday, February 1 for a charity close to the town's heart.

Local comedian Rob Grace has brought together eight stand-up comics for the evening that aims to raise money for Cancer Research UK’s Relay For Life.

Performers include, Sam Fraser, who has taken her act to the Edinburgh Fringe, the highly rated Christian Russell-Pollock, Bristol based Becky Povall and of course Rob himself.

Golden Cross Inn landlord Mark Lindesay said: “We have hosted comedy here several times in the past and it is great that Rob has approached us to use The Stable Bar again for what promises to be a great night and for a worthy cause."

Rob Grace said: “My wife is a member of one of the Relay for Life teams and was looking for fundraising ideas, and as I've been doing stand-up gigs for a while now, she suggested I could organise a charity comedy night.

"There can't be many people who haven't been affected by cancer in one way or another, and that's certainly true for our family, so it was a no-brainer really."

He added: “I'm really hoping this will be just the first of regular comedy nights at the Golden Cross. Depending on the success of this event I am hoping to promote regular gigs that will not only draw in a keen audience but also be a good opportunity for acts to enjoy valuable stage time, whether for new acts giving it their first go, established acts trying out new material, Edinburgh previews or anything in between.

"And if I can get established promoters to spot some talent then so much the better.”

The event starts at 7.30pm on Friday, February 1 at The Golden Cross on Cirencester’s Black Jack Street, with a charitable donation of £5 per head payable on the door.

For more information contact The Golden Cross Inn on 01285 652137.