Entries have opened for this year’s Funny Women talent hunt for the best new female stand-ups.

Heats for the competition start next month, and take place in London, Brighton, Birmingham Manchester, Bristol and Glasgow.

And after two semi-finals, the winner – who must have been performing comedy for less than three years -  will be chosen at London’s Comedy Store on July 3.

First prize will be a week’s holiday for two at the five-star Londa Hotel in Cyprus with British Airways flights and £500 spending money.  Two runners-up will each receive £500 cash.

This is the fourth year of the contest, previously won by Jade The Folk Singer, Zoe Lyons and Debra-Jane Appelby. It was previously backed by Babycham, but now has a new sponsor, insurance group Sheilas' Wheels.

Funny Women will also be running a nightly showcase at the Assembly Rooms during the Edinburgh Fringe, as well as an occasional late-night slot called Rude Girls, which promises raunchier content, at the Underbelly.

To enter the competition, download a form from the official website or call the awards hotline on 07969 800 584.