TWO of Britain's biggest stand-up comedians have announced new dates in the region.

Michael McIntyre has chosen to play an exclusive warm-up gig in Middlesbrough in July before his huge arena tour this summer.

While Jimmy Carr has added an extra performance in August to his Joke Technician tour after describing Middlesbrough as his favourite place to perform.

Graham Ramsay from promoters Ten Feet Tall and Laura Hannaway from Middlesbrough Town Hall said they were delighted to secure both shows.

Mr Ramsay said: "Michael's quite simply the biggest new comedy star to emerge in recent years.

"And he loved his last gig in Middlesbrough so much that he's chosen us for an intimate warm-up before his first ever arena tour."

Ms Hannaway added: "Jimmy is just amazing. We saw him on ITV's Loose Women when he said Middlesbrough was his as his favourite gig on national TV."

As a star of the BBC1's Live at the Apollo with the biggest selling debut stand-up DVD of all time, Michael McIntyre will be performing on Thursday, July 16 with tickets costing £27.50 Jimmy Carr will perform on Tuesday, August 11, tickets priced £20.

Other comedy highlights at the town hall later this year include impressionist Alistair McGowan, Jason Manford from television's 8 Out of 10 Cats, Dave Spikey from Phoenix Nights, and Grumpy Old Women featuring Jenny Eclair.

To purchase tickets call the Middlesbrough Town box office on 01642-729729.