STAND up for Cider returns for another year of huge laughs, with some of the UK's top comedians appearing.

The first heat takes place on Friday, January 27 at CICCIC in Taunton.

Professional MC Wayne Beeze will run the show and introduce all the competitors.

They will get seven minutes to give you their best material, then you get the power to vote for your winner.

Once the winner is announced, you will then be brought the headline act for the evening.

The cream of the UK comedy circuit will be appearing this year.

The first heat is headlined by Wayne The Weird and other headliners will include the Comedian of the Year 2016 – Josh Pugh.

The second heat takes place on March 31, and the third on May 19.

The winners of each heat will go through to the final on July 28 and the ultimate winner will then appear on the stage at either The Brewhouse Theatre or The McMillan Theatre in Bridgwater with a top TV Comedian later in the year.

All rounds of the competition are taking place at The Creative Innovation Centre (CICCIC) at the top of Paul Street, Taunton.

Doors open at 7.30pm and the show will start at 8pm.

Tickets cost £8 and numbers are limited, you can book them at ciccic.co.uk or by calling 01823 337477.

Stand up for Cider is organised by Genius PR and Events and is sponsored by Invest SouthWest with prizes donated by Sheppy's Cider.