Former Taunton Times news editor Matt Chorley, who left the paper for the bright lights of London last October, will be appearing at the Edinburgh Festival in August.

The 22-year-old is now working for the Press Association, but also left Somerset to concentrate on his comedy sketch group, Big Day Out.

Matt, along with friends Lewis Georgeson and William Kenning, have been taking their first steps towards fame and fortune as part of the comedy trio, and have already enjoyed sold out shows in London.

Now they have secured an Edinburgh slot at the high profile Pleasance Courtyard – a venue where Graham Norton, the League of Gentleman and Harry Hill cut their comedy teeth.

Will, Lewis and Matt (right)

Matt said: “It’s crazy. We have only been together for 18 months and to suddenly find ourselves performing at Edinburgh is a massive step.

“But it’s been a lot of hard work, a lot of late nights and a few strong arguments over which hat is funniest or who gets to wear a dress.”

Their new show invites ‘three men of varying sizes to guide you on a day trip of as much fun as you can pack into an hour’.

Matt said: “It’s a mix of sketches, songs and comic characters. Think the Two Ronnies but up-to-date with a bit more swearing, and noone wearing glasses.

“The first time Lewis and I did a sketch at a comedy night in London I was terrified – I hadn’t acted since playing third shepherd at primary school.

“It has got easier, but as soon as a joke doesn’t get a laugh I get that pang of anxiety again – which keeps me on my toes.”

The trio will perform every night at the festival throughout August.

Matt said: “One bonus is there is only one hour of the day that you can’t get a drink in Edinburgh – so once we’ve done our show for an hour, we’ll be free to chill out, have a few pints and check out the opposition.”

For more information visit www.bigdayout.net