Chortle has launched its 2008 hunt for the best student comedian in the country.

Heats will be taking place across the UK later this term, with competitors vying for a coveted place in the final at the Edinburgh Fringe.

Our first prize winner will receive £1,000 in cash, with £200 going to the runner-up. But possibly more valuable is the leg-up it will give the winner on the competitive stand-up circuit. 2005 winner Nathan Caton, for example, has recently had his own sketch show on Paramount Comedy.

Last year’s winner, Tom Deacon, said: 'Winning the competition was the best thing I could have hoped for in becoming a professional stand-up comedian. It has given me fantastic CV for getting gigs around London, in some of the best stand-up clubs. It’s also nice to have a title of “funniest student stand-up in the UK”.’

Chortle editor Steve Bennett said: ‘This competition’s now in its fifth year, and we’ve uncovered some great student talent in that time. For the comedians, the contest not only offers a cash prize, but a great chance to be seen by the movers and shakers of the comedy industry. Who knows where could will lead.’

Entries open today and close on January 31. The competition is open to all students aged 18 years or over on January 1, 2008, enrolled in tertiary education in the UK. Check the link on the left for the full rules