A WORKSHOP and open-mic event to encourage children to experience stand-up comedy is held as part of Darlington Arts Festival on Tuesday.

Inspired by comedian Patrick Monaghan and a Hilarity Bites event which her own children enjoyed, Jan Connor, who volunteers for Darlington for Culture, has organised Belly Giggles, a children's stand-up event and workshop for children aged seven plus.

Mrs Connor has been involved with Darlington Arts Festival from the start and said comedy and getting up on stage was good for children's self esteem.

"I often think comedy is a good way of helping children and I often reach out for a joke book in my house or write a silly poem or sketch – it helped to do this in between the SATs.

"I thought more children might like to be involved with this idea. So we thought we can stage a children's comedy event on where children and grown-ups can act silly for an afternoon."

She said children could make up a silly poem, wear a silly costume, tell some jokes or think up a funny comedy sketch.

If Belly Giggles is a success, it may turn into a regular event, she said.

"It was just one of my crazy ideas where I thought it would be great for children to get up and tell a few jokes.

"It is not for every child but some might want to attend and just come up with ideas, they don't have to get on stage. Some are really nervous but no-one has to get up and tell jokes, they could just do a little sketch or an impression."

Ms Connor and her daughter appeared on a TV sketch show on CBBC last year, Sam & Mark's wind-ups, and the idea sprang from there.

She said: "They said our jokes were so bad we needed to go to a comedy workshop, and that is what stared it."

If enough children go to the event, and it proves popular, then it could become more regular, she added. Parents can enjoy a coffee outside the workshop before coming back in to watch their child's comedy.

The event is £3 and takes place at The Forum, on Borough Road, Darlington on Tuesday from 1-4pm. For more information visit www.darlingtonforculture.org

Here are some sample jokes thought up by the Belly Giggles team:

*Boy: There's a man at the door collecting for the new swimming pool

Dad: Give him a glass of water.

*Doctor doctor, I feel like a bell.

Well take these and if they don't work give me a ring.

*Harry says to the doctor: "Doctor, doctor, can you take my tonsils out ?

Doctor: Certainly. Would they prefer the zoo or the cinema?

*Shall I tell you the joke about the butter? I'd better not, you'll spread it around.