A CHARITY for people with learning disabilities held a fundraising comedy event.

City of Chelmsford Mencap added a new string to their bow with the launch of their very first fundraising comedy night.

The event was organised by the charity and MC Paul Merryck, who is a comedian.

Featuring nine comedians, and compered by Mr Merryck, comedy fans and friends of the charity packed The Bassment, Chelmsford for an evening of merriment.

Grace Lidstone, Adults’ Services Manager at the charity said: “The comedy night was a great success, we raised over £450 and boosted awareness of the vital work done by City of Chelmsford Mencap in our local community.”

Paul Merryck hopes the night will be the first of many.

He said: “It was an absolute pleasure being involved in such a brilliant event to raise money for Mencap.

“The audience feedback in terms of laughter and all the comments after the show was fantastic. We must do this again.”

The line-up also featured up- and-coming local comedian Luke Poulton, who said: “It was brilliant to see so many people turn up and help raise money for a fantastic cause.

“We need more nights like this in Chelmsford, they’re a lot of fun and people love to go and have a good laugh."