Friday night comedy kicking off at the Arriva

A new series of monthly comedy nights are set to keep fans of Evo-Stik Northern Premier League Marine entertained this summer.

Taking place in The Graham Lounge at the Premier Division club's Arriva Stadium, the events are set to be staged initially on the last Friday of the month with the first three already pencilled in for April, May and June.

Local comedian and promoter Bob McGill is set to host the entertainment which kicks off next Friday night when comedienne Helen Keeler, pictured, takes to the stage as the Mariners' first headline act. She’ll be supported by fellow comedians Rob Thomas, Rob Reeves and Scott Walker.

Marine Chairman Paul Leary said: "We are really looking forward to our first Friday night comedy show next week. The link up with Bob and his contacts with so many experienced and younger local comedians is fantastic.

"I’m looking forward to some superb comedy nights of fun and laughter at Marine. The Graham Lounge provides a relaxed and comfortable comedy friendly atmosphere and I look forward to the initial three nights being well supported and continuing thereafter on a regular basis."

McGill added: "To paraphrase my football hero Bill Shankly my idea is to build Marine comedy nights into laughter and hilarity. Ken Dodd had that idea and tickled bloody Knotty Ash and that’s what I want at Marine!"

Admission is priced at £3 for the shows with the doors opening at 7.30pm for the entertainment starting at 9pm. For more information call: 0151-924-1743.