A LEYLAND lad and his pal are laughing their way to the final of a comedy competition with a trip to London on Saturday.

Wannabe comedian, ten-year-old, Thomas Monks, of Wellfield Avenue, Leyland, and his friend Luke Gardener, 10, of Edge Hill Crescent, Leyland, will be travelling to the final of The Lion King 3: Hakuna Matata Young Kings of Comedy Awards, in the Comedy Duo category.

Thomas' mother, Julie Bennison, 33, said: "He's always been the joker of the class, and I think we might have another Peter Kay on our hands!

"I didn't even know he had entered the competition until the letter came saying that he was through to the final, its wonderful."

Thomas, who lives with his mother, step father Phil, 33, and older brother Jack, 14, added: "I'm really excited about going to London, its great." The funny friends, who both attend Lever House Primary School, Bristol Avenue, Leyland, will be travelling with their mothers to Pineapple studios in London on Saturday.

They will attend a comedy masterclass from Semour Mace -- North West Comedian of the year 2003 -- and then will record their joke.

Each finalists' gag will be screened at the grand award ceremony on Sunday at London's Hard Rock Cafe, Liecester Square, where the winners will be announced.

This is not Thomas' first taste of fame though as he appeared in an advert for a Ready Steady Cook Toy last year.

Now Thomas is hoping to improve his acting skills when he starts Saturday morning lessons at the David Johnstone School of Acting in Manchester, next month.