The BBC has launched its annual hunt for new stand-up stars; but this year it will be on radio rather than TV.

After a round of regional heats, the semi-finals of the BBC New Comedy Awards will be broadcast on digital comedy channel BBC7, with a progamme about final going out on Radio 4.

Top prize is £2,000 – plus the change to develop their writing with BBC radio; and anyone who catches the judges’ ear may also get the chance to feature on Radio 1’s new comedy show The Milk Run.

Previous finalists include Peter Kay, Simon Pegg, Lee Mack, Marcus Brigstocke and Nina Conti.

Organisers are now inviting entrants to submit tapes of their work. The only rule is that you must be over 18, eligible to work in the UK and have done your first gig less than three years ago.

The deadline is September 3. For details of how to enter, visit the BBC Talent website.