Comedians give charities something to smile about

GLASGOW funnyman Kevin Bridges has donated the proceeds from one of his Fringe shows to two Scottish charities.

The stand-up comic, nominated for the Edinburgh Comedy Awards' best newcomer gong in 2009, shared the takings from his Sunday night show in the Pleasance Courtyard between homeless charity Shelter Scotland and Waverley Care - a group providing support for people living with HIV and Hepatitis C. Two other comics, Marlon Davis and Micky Flanangan, also pledged money to the foundations.

Bridges said that he was "delighted" to support the charities' aims by raising funds for them.

"Homelessness is a serious issue and I believe that everyone has the right to a home and comfortable and safe place to stay," he said.

Director of Shelter Scotland Graeme Brown said "too many" Scots were still losing their homes and thanked the comics for their generosity.

"Our helpline provides free advice to those facing homelessness or struggling to keep their home," he said. "We would like to thank Kevin and the others for their support, and the funds (they have] raised will most definitely help us to continue to provide support to people facing housing issues."