Maxwell in the running for Edinburgh comedy gong

Irish comic Andrew Maxwell has been nominated for this year’s Edinburgh Fringe Comedy Award, the 31st incarnation of the presitgious gong.

Previous winners of the Foster’s award, formerly known as the Perrier, include Steve Coogan, Frank Skinner and Harry Hill.

The six-strong shortlist also includes Josie Long, Adam Riches, Chris Ramsey, Nick Helm and Sam Simmons.

The prize is worth £10,000 (€12,000).

The Dublin-born father-of-two, a regular on RTÉ's 'The Panel' quiz show, has hit the UK circuit in recent years, boosting his profile with appearances on 'Have I Got News For You', 'Mock The Week' and 'Wall of Fame'.