COMEDIAN Jason Manford was left shocked after learning he had won the Lancashire Telegraph Trophy for the outstanding comedy performance at East Lancashire's second major comedy festival.

The Eight Out Of Ten Cats panellist from Manchester said he wasn’t aware that he was up for an award and was “delighted” to have been chosen to receive the accolade.

And he revealed that he hopes to be coming back to Blackburn for next year’s You Must Be Joking festival when he plans to thank his fans personally for voting for him.

“There’s nothing better than winning something unexpected,” said Jason. “When you win something you didn’t know you’d entered its usually in the form of a letter through the door saying you’ve won £1million but this prize seems legit!”

Jason — who started out as a comedy club glass collector — performed to a sold-out Windsor Suiteat King George’s Hall, Blackburn, last month, where he had the crowd howling for nearly three hours.

“I really enjoyed the set,” said the 27-year-old comedian. “I think it’s the longest stand-up show I’ve done. I was just having a really good time and so were the audience. I go with about an hour and three quarters-worth of material and then the rest depends on the crowd. If they are up for it and joining in then we carry on.”

He went on: “It’s been eight years since I won an award like this, which was the Leicester Mercury comedy award, so I’m very grateful. It’s great for anyone working in any industry to be told they are doing something right.”

In November the You Must Be Joking Comedy Festival saw 19 different shows over 19 days, including last year’s title winner Jimmy Carr, as well as Russell Howard, Paddy McGuinness, Ken Dodd and a host of rising stars.

The comedy club setting of the Windsor Suite saw a variety of new acts to Blackburn, including the fesitval opener The Frog And Bucket with Brendon Burns and in the second week it hosted actress turned comedian Francesca Martinez.

And runner-up in the reader poll for this year’s title was Tom Wrigglesworth, one of the comedians who joined Frank Sidebottom’s Stand Up Drink Up which took in various town centre locations.

For the Telegraph Award, a panel of judges shortlisted the five best performances with readers then being asked to vote for their favourite. Jason received 45 per cent of the online reader votes, nearly 20 per cent more than any other shortlister.

Coun Michael Law-Riding, executive member for leisure and culture at Blackburn with Darwen Council, said: “The festival was a huge success, attracting 7,500 visitors, almost double last year’s figure. With more than 50 comedians appearing over 17 days at venues across the borough, it has raised the profile of Blackburn and Darwen in the comedy world.

“Winner, Jason Manford, was a real highlight of the festival and a deserving winner. We are fully committed to moving the festival forward and making it one of the most high-profile comedy events on the local, regional and national calendars.

Jason also praised the festival and wished it every sucess for the future.

“I like perfoming in festivals,” he said. “I chose Blackburn as part of my tour because it had a festival on. Comedians want to be part of festivals because there is a certain buzz about a crowd that isn’t always there at an ordinary gig. It seemed to go well this year and I hope it becomes something comedians from the area start putting in their diaries. Hopefully I will come again myself.”

But one date is definite. His next local gig as part of his current tour is calling at Burnley Mechanics on January 20 at 7.30pm. Tickets on 01282 664 400.