A GROUP of teenagers from Widnes have been learning how to be stand-up comics with one of them even being dubbed 'the next Peter Kay'.

The boys all completed the Stand Out comedy course, a programme aimed at improving the self-esteem of young people.

They were sponsored on the course by The Rathbone Charity, which aims to get teenagers who are excluded from school or have problems at home back into education, training or a job.

One of the boys, Aaron Haydock, 15, even drew comparisons with Peter Kay from the organisers.

Mike Slinn, Rathbone centre manager for Widnes, said: 'Aaron always liked to play the fool, but his humour masked very real problems and he came to us with an uncertain future ahead of him.

'The course and the learning he has received at Rathbone have helped him channel his energies in the right direction and he is now planning to go to college and learn a trade.'

He added: 'While the lads who completed the course are not yet headline acts, they are making those who dismiss young people laugh on the other side of their face.

'They may have had serious problems in the past, but by being seriously funny they have improved their future prospects and shown that laughter is indeed the best medicine.'