DESPITE being in his mid-20s, comedian Ross Noble has been performing stand-up for 11 years - ever since he was smuggled into his local comedy club at the age of 15.

Licensing laws meant that immediately after his slot he had to leave through the kitchen, but the

irrepressible Geordie has never looked back.

In the past ten years, Noble has won a reputation as one of the most exciting and original performers on the live circuit, nominated for a Perrier Award and winning a Time Out Award.

Primarily a live performer, Ross has made occasional radio and TV appearances, including Have I Got News For You, Friday Night with Jonathan Ross and Just a Minute.

His worldwide travels were the subject of a BBC Radio 4 series Ross Noble Goes Global.

His current show sold out at Edinburgh in the summer and opened in London in September to rave reviews and packed houses.

You can see Ross Noble at The Anvil, Basingstoke, on Thursday, November 13 at 8pm. Tickets cost £14. Box office: 01256 844244.

COMPETITION:

The Daily Echo has some great Ross Noble goodies up for grabs. Two winners will each receive a pair of tickets to his show at The Anvil, Basingstoke, on November 13, and a copy of his new CD Ross Noble Goes Global, released on BBC Audio.

To be in with a chance of winning a tickets and CD set, just answer the following question:

What is the name of the BBC TV comedy news quiz on which Ross has appeared?

Post your answer, with your name, address and daytime phone number, to Ross Noble Competition, PO Box 542, Southern Daily Echo, Newspaper House, Test Lane, Redbridge, Southampton SO16 9JX, to arrive by 6th November.