AS part of his Laughter is the Best Medicine tour it was fitting that Dave Spikey handed out a prescription of fun to his local' crowd last night.

Those who may only have seen the Chorley-based comedian on TV in shows such as Eight Out of 10 Cats won't fully appreciate quite how quick-witted and observant a comedian he really is.

The stage is his natural setting, allowing him the freedom to head off into a world populated by Dobbers (you'll understand if you were there) where the comments have you thinking and laughing at the same time.

At times he was almost too quick for some of the audience and you could hear the sound of a collective penny dropping as they got the joke.

Still best known for his work on Phoenix Nights, Dave Spikey with this show - and indeed previous outings - has proved that he is far more than a famous name off the telly.

He is a comedian who has learned his craft and knows how to work an audience.

And the broad Lancashire accent belies the intelligence of some of the routines.

This is a clever man who has a beautiful eye for detail.

So thank you Dr Spikey for providing a Thursday night pick-me-up.

A good comedy show is indeed the perfect tonic!