THREE young comedy improvisers from Chorley are to jet across the Atlantic to compete against teams from the US and Europe.

The trio have taken part in improvisation show ComedySportz several times over the past three years at Chorley's Little Theatre.

And now they are flying to the home of ComedySportz, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to compete in the World Championships.

The format, which is similar to popular television show Whose Line Is In Anyway? has a huge following in America and was brought to England by Chorley-based stage and film director Brainne Edge.

She will be joined in America by Ed Tootell, 20, and Steven Catterall, 26.

Brainne, 25, from Fellstone Vale, Withnell, said: "I took part in last year's World Championships in Washington and it was a fantastic event.

"This year, we've managed to raise enough cash for three of us to go over and take part as a team.

"We've called ourselves the Charlie Chaplins and we'll be staying in the home of the ComedySportz founder while we're over there, and playing against the home team, Milwaukee.

"ComedySportz is really big in America and there's a group in at least half the states."

The team will take part in workshops and practise sessions during their four-day stay in the States. They have also arranged two dates at Chorley Little Theatre, Dole Lane, to help rehearse for the championships. They take place on July 10 and 17 at 7.30pm and entrance is £4.

Brainne, who also directs for CADOS and the Chorley Youth Theatre, said: "Luckily my parents live an hour's drive from Milwaukee, so I'll be grabbing the chance to see them while I'm over there.

"They emigrated there ten years ago after my dad, Brian, was relocated with work so I don't get to see all that much of them.

"We're all really looking forward to it."