Surbiton comic up for Chortle award (From Richmond and Twickenham Times)

Surbiton comic up for Chortle award

11:26am Wednesday 12th January 2011 in Comedy By Graham Moody

Surbiton's Diane Spencer is after your votes to become best newcomer at the 2011 Chortle Awards.

The comedienne has been named on the prestigious list that has in the past included the likes of Jack Whitehall, Sarah Millican, Greg Davies and Rhod Gilbert.

Voting closes at 5pm this Sunday and if she is to beat her fellow nominees, Henry Ginsberg, Iain Stirling and Tim Shishodia, she will need your votes.

Spencer grew up in Surrey before emigrating to New Zealand for four years, where she kickstarted her comedy career, before moving to Surbiton last year.

During her time in New Zealand, she was nominated as best newcomer and best female comedian at the New Zealand Comedy Guild 2007 and 2009.

She performed her debut solo show, Lost in the Mouth Specific, at last year's Edinburgh Fringe and also toured it in Australia and New Zealand.

The nomination is the latest accolade for her after being named one of Britain's hottest comedians by website londonisfunny.com.

The winner is unveiled at a ceremony in London on February 7 hosted by Al Murray.

To vote, visit chortle.co.uk.