The Chase star Paul Sinha to headline Bury Hospice Comedy Festival

He will join the funniest doctor in medicine, Dr Kevin Jones, for the annual Bury Hospice Comedy Festival.

Dr Jones, recently retired as a consultant physician at the Royal Bolton Hospital, and still lives in Bolton, will compere the festival, which over the years has attracted some big name comedians, including Mick Miller, Scott Bennett, Nina Gilligan and Justin Moorhouse.

Dr Kevin Jones Image: Dr Kevin Jones

And this year is no exception. Performing on both nights are Big Lou (Lewis Jones) and Rod Woodward.

Big Lou is a local lad from Prestwich who is a great favourite in the area with a comedy style which is a mixture of Les Dawson and Jimmy Carr.

Rod Woodward is from Cardiff and has the almost unique distinction of being invited not once but twice to entertain in front of royalty at the Royal Variety Performance.

On Friday night, Martin Gold will appear who was voted Comedian of the Year for two years running by the Variety Club of Great Britain.

Paul Sinha is also known as The Sinnerman on The Chase Image: ITV

On Saturday, the Sinnerman from the Chase is headlining.

Dr Jones is a Trustee at Bury Hospice and has been dubbed Britain’s funniest doctor.

He said: “ I am delighted to be able to help with the Comedy Festival. I have worked with all the comedians previously and was very keen to get them to come to Bury to perform. The comedians at the previous shows have all loved the experience and so have the crowds. There is a wonderful atmosphere and of course it is all for a very important cause.”

The festival will take place Festival will take place at the Polish Social Centre in Back East Street BL9 0RU Friday, March 20th and Saturday, March 21st.

It is being sponsored by JD Sports.

Tickets for the shows can be bought from the Bury Hospice website

www.buryhospice.org.uk/events/comedy-festival