A COUNTY Durham market town’s annual meet will welcome a rib-tickling addition to its program this year, with a special comedy gala set to take place as part the festivities.

Orchestrated by Funny Way To Be comedy club, the gala will see four UK comics perform for one hilarious night at The Witham, in Barnard Castle, on Saturday, May 27.

First held as a meet for the area’s runners and cyclists, the Barnard Castle Meet has evolved into a popular yearly celebration of community spirit which sees hundreds of people turn out for the parades, fundraising events and live music.

Now in its 132nd year, the Meet returns on the last weekend of May, and this year boasts the added bonus of a night of comedy, right in the heart of the town.

Comics set to perform include George Rigden, Fin Taylor and Carl Hutchinson while comic and TV favourite, Patrick Monahan - who is has featured on Splash!, Let’s Dance for Sports Relief, Celebrity Squares, and Fake Reaction - will host the evening.

Peter Dixon, of Funny Way to Be said: “The Meet is such an important part of Barnard Castle’s history, it’s a pleasure and a privilege to be able to contribute towards the fantastic events of the weekend.

“It’s always a highlight of the town’s calendar, and I’ve no doubt it’ll be all the more enjoyable this year for having four such brilliant comedians joining us!”

Tickets are priced £12 or £10 for subsidies on the door, and are also available online from the Witham Box Office or funnywaytobe.com now.

A guidance age of 16 is recommended for guests.