Fringe date for 'voiceless comic'

Lee Ridley was born with cerebral palsy, which left him unable to speak.

The 31-year-old, from County Durham, always wanted to be able to tell jokes and make people laugh. Now he does, with the aid of a voice synthesiser, and has a string of comedy club appearances lined up, including at the Edinburgh Fringe.

Fellow North East comedy star Ross Noble has even offered him a support spot.

The self-titled "Lost Voice Guy" has won over audiences with cutting observations about his own and other disabilities.