Stand-up Kevin McCarthy – also known as The Man With The Beard – has been named club comedian of the year.

The title comes from Club Mirror Magazine, which is dedicated to membership organisations such as working men’s clubs and student unions.

Judges said: ‘Kevin’s delivery is so conversational that you could almost imagine you are sitting in his living room. A master of the one-liner is totally adept at reading his audience, shifting quickly with their mood.

‘Audience participation is a key strength and seems to come with total ease and relaxed good humour.’

Jongleurs regular McCarthy, 51, said: ‘I am very honoured to receive this award. That I I've been voted by the key people in the industry from across the whole of the UK is a great achievement.’

He received the award at a ceremony at The National Railway Museum York in front of more than 500 industry workers.

The acts were judged on ‘the quality of their performance, the reaction from clubs, the ability to adapt material to specific audiences and all-round entertainment value’.

Manchester-based covers band Lovin’ It were named Club Act of the year at the same event.