Plenty of people think they are funny, but few would be brave enough to put that to the test through the medium of stand-up comedy.

Nik Hill is one of the few, although the Gloucester born and bred comedian didn’t foresee the daunting performance becoming a regular hobby.

Nik said: “I never thought I’d do stand-up, I was really shy at school.

“My first gig must have been in about 1994. My dad was president of a local club and asked me if I wanted to come and tell some jokes.

“Then I left it alone for a few years before answering an ad for comedians to perform at a pub in the Forest of Dean.”

It was here that Nik rekindled his love for stand-up comedy, and since then he’s performed on the comedy circuit alongside the likes of Rhod Gilbert, Alan Carr and Sarah Millican.

Lately though his main passion has been promoting the comedy scene in Gloucester, where he plays a big role.

“I run two gigs in the city,” he explained. “One is at Gloucester Rugby that I’ve been doing since about 2006, where we have around 6 or 7 gigs a year depending on the rugby schedule. That attracts well over 200 people which is really good for a local comedy gig.

“Gloucester Brewery then approached me to hold a monthly gig, and this is now our fourth year there. We regularly sell that out to around 70 people and have comedians from all over the country performing.

“I want people to know that there are great comedy shows in Gloucester to experience. It really is a thriving scene at the moment.”

Not only does Nik organise all the gigs, but he also acts as master of ceremonies, warming up the crowd and introducing the acts.

“It can be tough coming up with new material,” he laughed. “But it keeps me on my toes!”

Despite turning 60 last year, Nik has no plans of stepping away from the comedy scene.

He added: “I’ve done the Leicester Comedy Festival for the last two years and I’m going again this year. They hold a ‘Silver Stand-Up Competition’ for comedians over the age of 55 that I’m hoping to try and win!

“Like anything, stand-up gets easier the more you do it, you find your flow gets better and better. It’s a hobby I really enjoy, you definitely get a great buzz doing it.”