COLCHESTER comedians are taking part in a night of comedy this week to raise money and donations for the Colchester Food Bank.

Timed to coincide with the Homeless Support Stand-Up Project, which will see a series of gigs taking place around the UK to support local charities, Colchester's event, which is at the Hole in the Wall pub from 8pm tomorrow, December 14, has been organised by local comedians Jo Fletcher-Cross and Carl Denham in association with Rob Saunders.

Jo, two-time Colchester New Comedian of the Year finalist, says: “This time of year is really difficult for lots of people and we're really keen to help out.

"We don't want anyone to have a miserable time at Christmas and we hope that we can get some great donations to the food bank to help those who need a bit of extra help.

"One of the best things about doing comedy is the way people pull together and help each other, and I think that's true of people in Colchester in general too — I'm sure everyone will be very generous.”

As well as Jo, on the bill are MC Carl Denham, Hazel Humphreys, Liam Sullivan, Scott Casey, Thom Barrett and headliner Jordan Gray, who came to fame in BBC1's The Voice UK 2016, making TV history as the show's first ever transgender contestant. She made the leap to stand up comedy earlier this year and has quickly become a firm favourite on the circuit.

Entry to the gig is free but those attending are asked to bring donations for the Food Bank, which provides emergency food parcels to individuals and families who find themselves in sudden crisis. Those who can't bring food items can make a cash donation on the night.

Among the items the Food Bank charity regularly needs includes long life fruit juice, long life milk, small bags of rice and pasta, and tinned vegetables and fruit.

They also urgently need 10p ‘Bags for Life’ for their clients to carry the food home. All food must be in date and have at least two months before best before date.