Crowds of people were packed to the rafters at the Civic Arts Centre in Oswaldtwistle to celebrate the Manford’s Comedy Club’s first birthday with a special performance from founder Jason Manford.

The comedy club started at the venue a year ago and has become one of the most popular venues among comedians.

Speaking exclusively to the Observer, headline act Jason Manford, who has been starring in The Producers theatre show said: “This is our favourite venue, the staff here love it and it makes a massive difference.

“When we set up we only had four clubs and this was one of the first. Lauren Stirzaker and Gayle Knight have been instrumental in getting it set up for the community.

“The thing about the Civic Arts Centre and Theatre is there’s such good word of mouth, we only send top quality acts.

“In the 12 months since the Civic started running the comedy club, the venue feels much more part of the community and is supported by the community.

“I trial material in places like this, and it’s the first time I’ve played here.”

The nearly 500-strong audience were expecting a good night and the warm-up and headline act certainly did not disappoint.

Host Dave Johns warmed up the crowd and picked on the eccentricities of the town including the Giant Pear Drop at Stockley’s Sweets.

The first act to take to the stage were five-piece comedy improvisation group The Noise Next Door.

Despite only four members being there on the night their off the cuff and quick witted comedy had audiences rolling in the aisles.

Second to take to the stage was Jamali Madix, whose observational style had the audience tearing up with laughter at his story of being mistaken for Osama Bin Laden while eating a croissant.

But the star of the show kept audiences thoroughly entertained with stories about his family and fatherhood, before rounding out the show with a storming rendition of I Who Have Nothing, proving comedy is not his only talent.

Manford’s Comedy Clubs are held on the second Sunday of every month at the Civic Arts Centre and Theatre on Union Road in Oswaldtwistle.

Tickets are priced £12.50 and can be purchased at www.civicartscentre.co.uk