IT is known for its Italian cafes, breweries and for being home to one of the longest streets in the UK.

But now Dennistoun has another talent under its belt - a thriving stand-up comedy scene.

Over the last five months Glasgow's East End has experienced a lot of laughter thanks to a surge of stand-up comedians.

There is now a weekly free comedy night held at the Duchess Bar and a monthly night at Craigpark Masters Snooker Club.

Dad-of-one Chrissy Ross, who has been at the forefront of the movement, says the events are attracting a new audience to comedy.

The 34-year-old said: "People feel very comfortable coming in here.

"We have people who've stayed in the area for 30,40 or 50 years. It's a big mix of people."

Chrissy said he aimed to make the people in the community feel welcome.

He said: "We have a totally different dynamic to every other comedy night. You can have a laugh with us and people are on first name terms.

"I try and treat the acts better than they are treated anywhere else and I try to treat the audience better than they're treated anywhere else.

"I'm very well aware of the fact that people in the East End - some of my family members and friends I grew up with - don't have a lot of disposable income so they can come here and they don't have to spend a penny if they don't want. They get free nachos and fries and they get treated well.

"And as well as having a paid headliner, all the acts get a free drink, there are the free nachos and it's free entry."

Former merchant navy officer Chrissy said the Duchess weekly night now attracts up to 70 people.

He said: "For an area this small that's loads of people.

"That's built up over time, the first night we had about 15 people.

"We've got regulars coming in from Livingston - we have a group of young mothers who get their babysitters arranged and come out for their Monday night because they know they'll get a good night out."

Among those who perform at the nights are Gary Meikle, Scott Gibson and Gary Little.

Chrissy, who is also working on a sketch show with Gary, said: "We've got a whole group of us, we joke it's a Weegie ratpack.

"We've all came through at the same time from the East End. It's a comedy revolution.

"The pleasing thing is we have a generation of acts coming through. For the first time we've got about 20 new acts that will be professional.

"Most of them are getting paid work across the UK already. The likes of Gary Meikle who I work with quite closely - he won the best newcomer at Scottish comedy awards last year - he's from the East End.

"Joe McEwan, Stewart McPherson, they are working the circuit and they come back here every week.

"We've got the best new acts, we've got the most established acts in Scotland plus we've got people who've never gigged before."

For information visit www.laldycomedy.com