A BOLTON trio played their part in notching up a new world record that is sure to leave a smile on the faces of a local cancer charity.

Bolton comics Mark Langley, Martin Cassidy and Mark Porter were among 107 comedians to take to the stage in an event aimed at entering the Guinness Book of Records -- and raising funds for Christie Hospital.

The biggest stand-up event ever seen was organised at the Dance House Theatre in Manchester, and raised £1,000 before the curtain went up.

Many of the regular faces on the North-west comedy circuit came out in support of the evening with each act given a maximum of two minutes on stage. And now Mark Porter, aged 29, from Halliwell, is keen to put the smile on the faces of Bolton's public.

He said: "It was an excellent experience and I am trying to set up a local stand-up comedy night in Bolton but the response so far from venues has not been encouraging, which is a shame. I'd be willing to talk to anyone who might be serious about staging a regular night."

Fellow Bolton comic, Mark Langley agreed: "It would be a good idea. It is a shame we're always having to travel to Manchester, when there are some really good comedians in Bolton. Everyone needs to laugh, it doesn't matter who they are, and it would be nice to do it closer to home."

He added: "The fact that the event ever made it to the stage was a tribute to the organisational skills and tenacity of four comics who are regulars on the North-west circuit and the collective brain trust behind the 'Comedy Balloon' which takes place each Wednesday in Manchester.

"Tony Baloney, Des Sharples, Jason Cooke and Joey Jackson have worked tirelessly for weeks booking the acts and keeping the whole attempt on track."