SOME of the country’s top comedians will descend upon a North-East town this July.

The third annual Darlington Comedy Festival will see acts including Patrick Monahan, Jimmy Cricket, Rob Rouse and Seymour Mace entertain crowds.

Taking place at venues throughout the town, the festival will also include a mix of Edinburgh preview shows, family friendly performances and events including a day of comedy tours taking place at The Head of Steam, Darlington Railway Museum.

An intimate comedy night hosted by organisers Hilarity Bites at The Forum on Saturday July 5 will be the first show of the festival.

On Tuesday July 8, the Civic Theatre will play host to the event’s official Opening Gala, compered by North-East favourite Patrick Monahan and featuring a number of well known acts.

Festival director Neil Jollie said "I'm really proud of the programme, there are going to be more shows at more venues than ever before, and whilst we're retaining a mix of big name comedians and the best in local talent, we're also looking to produce a lot of shows that are unique.

“We're also hoping to raise plenty of money for local charities too, via the Comedy Gala at Darlington Civic Theatre, which has raised almost £20,000 for local charities over the past two years.”

More acts and events will be announced in the run-up to the festival, which is sponsored by Newton Aycliffe’s Planet Leisure.

A competition running throughout the festival offers prizes including rail tickets, family outings and hotel stays.

For more information, line-up announcements and to enter the competition, visit darlingtoncomedyfestival.co.uk.