Musical comedian Andy Askins has been named this year’s comics’ comic.

The stand-up, who has appeared on  The John Bishop Show and supported Lee Evans, was named circuit comedian of the year by his peers.

Last year’s winner Ian Stone, who organised the 2018 awards, said: ‘He's one of those comics that other comics love to watch. There is a general feeling of love and warmth towards him.’

Best MC went to Mandy Knight, a Comedy Store regular who has been in the business for almost 30 years. 

Stone said: ‘As an MC, she is peerless and anyone who's seen her warm up a recalcitrant crowd or take down a heckler knows that this award is well deserved.

Best independent promoter went to Rob Riley, who runs ‘some of the best gigs in the country’, largely in the north of England.

And the outstanding achievement award goes to Otiz Cannelloni.

Sone said: ‘Otiz is much loved and admired by absolutely everyone. He's an absolute master of the game and this goes some way to acknowledging his outstanding ability.’

The Comics’ Comic awards were started in 2013 by John Moloney as an alternative to other prizes that he felt did not recognise professional comedians who work the circuit year in, year out.

Other previous winners of the best comic award have been Jeff Innocent, Zoe Lyons, Gavin Webster and Mick Ferry