COMEDIAN Peter Kay is literally on top of the world in his first video, which was released yesterday.

Well, possibly not on top of the world. But the Bolton funnyman certainly hits the heights -- performing live at the top of Blackpool Tower.

In front of his mum Dierdre and fiancee Susan -- part of an appreciative capacity crowd -- Kay shows just why he is being hailed as the rising star of comedy by people like Steve Coogan.

In his TV show, That Peter Kay Thing, which was shown early in the year, he played a variety of characters as part of a series of spoof documentaries in and around his beloved home town.

But before he landed that critically acclaimed series former Thornleigh pupil Kay was most famous for his stand-up comedy routine.

And for those who have never seen it, this video provides a chance to appreciate just how funny he is.

Kay's act, as you would expect from someone firmly rooted in the North and its humour, is bursting with references to events from his childhood that will strike a chord with any local thirty-something.

Dinner ladies who dragged you in from the playground as soon as it started "spitting" with rain.

Why your mum always cleans the house before you go on holiday?

The strange way people are always amazed when they find English products on sale in Spanish shops ("ooooh, they're exactly the same, EXACTLY the same!) then have their photo taken eating them. And not entirely complimentary words about Stars in Their Eyes contestants ("the only thing they have in common with the person they are pretending to be is that they both have heads. That's it.")

Kay's most famous material -- the brilliantly observed antics that happen at weddings -- is not included in this video, but there is quite a lot of fresh stuff for people who have seen his act before.

For those who have not, this performance -- which does contain some bad language, hence the 15 certificate -- is an excellent introduction to Bolton's most talented funnyman.

He is currently putting the finishing touches to a follow-up to his series That Peter Kay Thing, which is due to hit our screens next year and in that his comedy is very character based.

He is undoubtedly a major talent and we should be proud that, unlike other comedians from around the country who make it big, he thrives on flying the flag for Bolton and hates to be away from the town for long spells -- even organising shows so he can nip back home the same night.

I think he realises that part of the reason his material IS so successful is because he remains so close to his roots.

For a man not yet 30, it is only a matter of time before he lands a prime time TV spot.

Suggestion for a working title for the show: Sunday Night at the Tonge Moor Cricket Club? We have signed copies of Peter's new video (Certificate 15) to give away to the lucky winners of this competition.

All you have to do to be in with a chance of winning one is answer the following question: Which secondary school did Peter attend in Bolton?

Answers on a postcard to Peter Kay Contest, c/o Ian Savage, Bolton Evening News, Newspaper House, Churchgate, Bolton, BL1 1DE, or email isavage@lancashire.newsquest.co.uk, including name, age and address.

The competition is open only to those 15 or over.

Closing date is a week today, November 28. Usual Newsquest rules apply.