A MINISTER from South Zeal ran her competitors close in the national final of the Funny Women Awards.

Maggy Whitehouse was one of ten finalists in the stage award category of the awards.

She had to perform a set of around five minutes and was marked on material, stage presence, delivery and originality.

The winner on the night was Desiree Burch who impressed judges with her take on walking the streets of London.

Competition organiser Lynne Parker said: ‘This year’s awards hit a new high in standards. Polished, varied and talented performances from all ten finalists for the stage award surpassed my expectations.

‘Female comedy has come a long way since I started the awards 13 years ago and it’s here to stay!’