VETERAN comedian, writer, actor and presenter Arthur Smith – a regular on television and radio – is headlining the first in a series of comedy nights at The Blackbird Inn, just outside Wellington.

He will be appearing with compere Gavin Inskip and funymen Sunjai Arif, Nathan Eagle and Alex Kitson on Thursday, October 3.

Comedy nights will take place on the first Thursday in the month in a marquee by the side of the pub – outdoor heaters will be provided for when the air gets nippy.

The Blackbird’s owners, Peter and Yvonne Welling, said: “We took over the Blackbird Inn just one year ago, have introduced quiz nights and monthly music nights, and have enjoyed every minute.

“Now we have the pleasure of introducing monthly comedy nights in the new Blackbird Inn marquee.”

Tickets for the first show, which starts at 8pm, will be £20 with £5 of that going to mental health charity MIND. Tickets – discounts may apply – are available only at www.jokepit.com and ample free parking is provided opposite the pub in Taunton Road.