Some of the biggest names in the entertainment industry are to share their experience of comedy writing at an international conference this autumn.

Writing for the BBC, creating sketches for late-night TV, working with agents and comedy on the internet will all be discussed at the British Society of Comedy Writers event.

One of the highlights will be a speech by Carlton TV producer Nigel Smith on the state of UK comedy,

The conference,to beheld in Birmingham from November 2 to 4, is aimed at those writing and producing comedy and light entertainment - and there will even be one-to-one script surgeries offering personal advice on work in progress.

Society president Ken Rock said: "We are committed to offering the best in comedy writing education."

The fee for non-members to attend the event is £195, which includes food and accommodation. To register, go to the official website.