The home town of the world's favourite sitcom, is set to celebrate their remarkable comedy heritage with the launch of the first ever International Comedy Film Festival.

Torquay on the south west coast of England, which was also the birthplace of Peter Cook and has countless other comedy links thanks to "Monty Python" and the "Comic Strip Presents" is set to celebrate this remarkable comedy heritage during the festival which runs between September 25th and 28th, 2008.

John Cleese said: "I'm delighted to learn that Torquay is launching its International Comedy Film Festival. I think of Torquay as being the home of British comedy. The first time I saw Bruce Forsyth was in the Babbacombe Pavilion in the mid 50s; we had a very successful Monty Python shoot there in 1970; it was then that I met the famous Donald Sinclair, the model for Basil Fawlty; and I for many years followed the hilarious antics of Torquay United at Plainmoor."

The full programme is set to be announced at the end of July, but the International Comedy Film Festival website at www.icff.co.uk is packed with clues of what is to come, including star-studded soirees, a drive-In movie, live orchestral accompaniment to classic black and white silent comedies and top comedy films introduced by stars, as voted for by fans through the website.

Come & Visit the 'Cannes Of Comedy Film' - it'll be a laugh.