A group of fun-filled fundraisers “brought the house down” for a good cause.

They served up a hilarious evening of live comedy after 12 weeks of training for the big night.

Eleven contestants signed up for the nerve-wracking challenge and each performed a five-minute set of jokes to 400 guests at The Comedy Club in Manchester.

They raised plenty of smiles when a total of £12,300 was raised for The Fed, which runs Heathlands Village in Prestwich.

Well-known comedian, juggler and radio host Steve Royle compered the show after Prestwich comedy maestro Ashley Boroda trained the rookie entertainers over three months.

The Fed’s fundraising manager Rochelle Broman said: “It was a phenomenal evening. The atmosphere in the auditorium was absolutely electric with the audience really up for a good time.

"The competitors were unbelievably brave, not to mention hugely talented bunch of people. I can’t thank them enough.”

It is the second year the event has been held and The Fed has already had to turn away five people wanting to perform next year.

Judges voted 58-year-old Cheadle woman Marilyn Berg as the winner.

Rochelle added: “She was superb. Her dry humour and perfect delivery had the crowds in fits.”

Marilyn said: “Ashley told us that because of the lights when we were on stage we wouldn’t be able to see much past the first couple of rows of people.

"He was wrong. Looking at some of the audience, I realised that there’s a lot to be said for wearing a burka.

“Seriously, the whole thing was a wonderful experience.”

Among the others who took to the stage was The Fed’s marketing manager Joyce Khan.

Joyce’s job was to get others to sign up, so she practised what she preached by giving it a go herself.

Also going down a storm were Howard Goldman, aged 60, of Knights Close, Prestwich, Heather Fletcher, aged 54, of Bury New Road, Sedgley Park, Rob Miller, aged 34, of Park Lane, Whitefield and Benjamin Williams, aged 17, who attends King David School.

The other funsters were: Darren Pincus, Simon Coops, Stephen Moss, Steve Pearlman and Neil Harris.

Ashley added: “They all did brilliantly. I couldn’t have asked for any more.”

Cash was raised through ticket sales and sponsorship donations.