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Following last year's successful College of Comedy scheme, the Ö÷²¥´óÐã has recruited six brand new writers to take part in its development programme over the next ten months.

Once again the writers will be mentored to produce original work, attend a residential workshop where they will explore technique and craft with established writers and producers, and be attached to a current series to learn how production works.

The scheme is run by Micheál Jacob, formerly the Ö÷²¥´óÐã's Creative Head of Mainstream Comedy, and executive producer of My Family, 2 Pints Of Lager And A Packet Of Crisps and The Smoking Room.

He combines running the college with developing and executive producing programmes.

Micheál Jacob said: "This is an exciting group. They all have very different styles and voices and experience, ranging from a writer who has sold a single sketch to a writer who has had a show piloted for Ö÷²¥´óÐã Three. Working with them on their scripts is going to make it an exciting year."

The six candidates selected are:

Donna Harle, based in London, who has contributed to a forthcoming Ö÷²¥´óÐã Three sketch show pilot;

Gerry Howell, a London-based comedian and writer, who was a finalist in Channel 4's The Play's The Thing competition and is preparing his first Edinburgh fringe show;

Rosemary Jenkinson from Belfast, an experienced theatre writer, who has published short stories and poems, as well as receiving a number of writing bursaries;

Colin McQuaid from Scotland, who is on the writing team of Ö÷²¥´óÐã Scotland's Ellis & Clarke Show, and has written comedy for Ö÷²¥´óÐã Radio Ulster;

Dale C Phillips, from Hull, a novelist, screen and sketch writer, and a finalist in the Ö÷²¥´óÐã Bang! Theatre Play writing competition for new generation Asian writers;

Henry White, from London, who has won a number of animation awards, and contributed to several sketch shows. His pilot, The Site, was transmitted on Ö÷²¥´óÐã Three in 2008.

Notes to Editors

When the scheme was launched in 2008, it attracted support from many leading writers, including Armando Iannucci, Sam Bain and Jesse Armstrong, Simon Nye, Jeremy Dyson, Susan Nickson and Hugo Blick, some of whom did sessions for the college.

The scheme, is designed for people who have already begun their careers and can demonstrate some achievement, such as broadcast material, a script commission or performance of their work.

The chosen candidates will be given writer and producer mentors for their original work, which will be showcased when the scheme ends in March 2010.

There will be one residential workshop and ad hoc events during the year, with sessions from leading writers, producers and directors.

CS