Liverpudlians' boasts about their unique sense of humour have taken a battering.

A nationwide hunt for new comedy talent has attracted just two entries from the future city of culture.

And now despondent organisers say they may have to axe the Liverpool heat of their Funny Women competition - and move it to London instead.

Producer Lynn Parker said: This is the city that has spawned great male comics like Ken Dodd and Jimmy Tarbuck, so I am really surprised about the apparent lack of talent.

"It would be a great shame if we have to cancel our showcase and bring it to London instead.

"Our entries show a strong south-east bias which we are keen to diffuse, but we can only do that if funny women from Liverpool come forward."

Parker must decide whether to pull the Liverpool showcase within the week, and urged any would-be female comics from the city to get in touch on 07969 800584.

Liverpool, however, did claim a comedy success at the weekend when Chris McCausland triumphed in the Last Laugh competition, organised by soft drink J2O and the Jongleurs chain of clubs.

The 26-year-old comic, who is blind, is now heading for New York as part of his prize after impressing judges Jasper Carrott, Dave Spikey and Rhona Cameron.

His prize also includes £1,000 cash and a Jongleurs contract.

Funny women website