AN award-winning comedienne is returning to her former North-East home for a one-off show.

Stand-up Jenny Éclair, who made waves during her recent stint on ITV diving show Splash, lived in Barnard Castle as a child before pursuing her dream to become a stand-up comedian.

On March 1, she will bring a brand new show to Teesdale when she headlines the Funny Way To Be comedy club night at The Witham arts complex, in Barnard Castle.

“When I lived in Barnard Castle I went to a school on an army estate – I think it was Stainton Grove,” she said.

“It was tough, but I don’t think it really did me any harm to be honest. Barnard Castle is a beautiful place and I can’t wait to come back.”

Now 53, she was the first ever female winner of the Edinburgh Comedy Award in 1995.

She is a familiar face TV, with appearances on shows such as ITV's Loose Women and the BBC's Grumpy Old Women.

Peter Dixon, of the Funny Way To Be comedy club, said: “Jenny is one of the very best female stand-ups so I was delighted when she agreed to come to Barnard Castle to perform.

“It's something of a homecoming as she told me that she lived in the area for a few years as a child. It would be great if some of her old school buddies were able to come along.”

Tickets are on sale priced £15 from The Witham box office or online at funnywaytobe.com