Heard the one about the nurse who gave up her day job to become a full-time comic?

FUNNY bones . . . nurse turned comedienne Penella Mellor with her dog Teddy

AN Oldham comedian has rounded up her favourite local acts to appear at this year’s Greater Manchester Comedy Festival.

Penella Mellor — real name Emma Kearney — left her job as an NHS community mental health nurse 18 months ago to become a full-time comedienne and has already won an impressive array of awards.

Now Penella (34) from Fitton Hill, is hosting “Tuesday’s Tickles with Penella Mellor”, a diverse comedy showcase at the Taurus Bar in Canal Street, Manchester on Tuesday.

“The festival was coming up and my agent suggested I do something. I thought about what I would want to see if I was buying a ticket and decided to host a showcase of Manchester acts that make me laugh.”

Among the acts will be Colin Manford — brother of Jason; Tayo Cousins, known for an impressive Morgan Freeman impression; Howard Walker, who former newcomer of the year, and Colin Havey. Each will perform a short comedy set.

Details and tickets: www.greatermanchesterfringe.co.uk.