THE finals of a new comedy act competition which helped to launch the career of last year's winner takes place on Sunday.

Six comedians will perform at Seen, in Darlington, on Sunday to be crowned the Hilarity Bites new comedian of the year competition.

Also performing at the event will be Sam Gore, who won last years inaugural competition and has since turned professional.

The five heat winners are Derek Miller, Neil Hutson, Andrew Ryan, Tom Tolson and David Larkins. The sixth finalist is best runner-up from the heats Ray Bradshaw.

Compere will be popular South Shields-based comedian Chris Ramsey.

Organiser Neil Jollie said he is expecting a near-capacity crowd for the event.

He said: "This is the second year we have done the competition.

"On Sunday, last year's winner Sam Gore is going to be performing. Since winning last year, he has gone on to win other competitions and become a full-time professional.

"So we helped to give him a step up the ladder. Hopefully the winner of the competition will be just as successful."

Tickets for the final are £3. For more details contact 01325-362364 or see www.hilaritybites.co.uk. Doors open at 7pm and the show starts at 8pm.