GAZETTE & HERALD: COMEDIAN Will Hodgson, 25, could be about to hit the big time after being nominated in the comedy industry's answer to the Oscars, the Perrier awards.

The funny man, who lives in The Causeway and runs comedy nights at the Rose and Crown in Market Place, Chippenham, learned of his nomination yesterday, while appearing in his one-man show, The Passion of the Hodgson, at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.

Nominated in the Best Newcomer category of the award, of which previous winners include Harry Hill, Hodgson's show is currently going down a storm with visitors to the Fringe.

Comedian and Times columnist Kate Capstick has already tipped him for the big-time.

But Hodgson, who has made it into the semi-finals of two shows, the BBC New Comedy Awards and So You Think You're Funny on Channel 4, was taking all the fuss in his stride.

"I've only just heard so I'm not really sure how I feel about it. It's a bit of a shock to the system but I've managed to keep myself sane," he said.

"I'm glad people have been coming to see the show, and people who I really respect, like Stewart Lee, who directed Jerry Springer the Opera. They have said some very nice things about my show.

"But I've done this without a big agency backing me. Me and my mum put the money together so I hope it proves you don't need to be part of a big agency to do what I've done."

The name of his 50-minute show, The Passion of The Hodgson, was inspired by the controversial blockbuster film The Passion of Christ, directed by Mel Gibson.

Hodgson described it as fast paced and raucous and said it empowers those who feel they don't fit into 'normal' society.

He launches heartfelt attacks on homophobia, racism and body fascism, saying: "About 10 per cent of this town are just vile and they're the people I'm taking the piss out of."

"The character on stage is a terminal fantasist," he said. "He hasn't got a grip on what's real and what isn't."

And he has used his hometown of Chippenham for inspiration.

"There's a lot of references in the show to places in Chippenham, like Buckle's Chip Shop, clubs, pubs, some people may even recognise themselves or scenarios," he said.

Also easily recognisable is Hodgson's hair, which has been a shocking shade of pink since 2003. That hairstyle undoubtedly helped him land him an appearance on Channel 4's The Salon, where he was featured having an all-over tanning treatment last year. But he said he might unveil a new image after Edinburgh.

As well as funding his comedy, Will's proud Mum, Jane Harris, keeps his hair in check. Mrs Harris runs Cut and Curl hairdressing salon in The Causeway.

Announcing she was thrilled to learn of her son's nomination in the awards, she said she would be keeping her fingers and her scissors crossed for when the winners are announced on Saturday, but that being nominated for the award was enough for her and Will.

He agreed: "My main concern is the people who have paid to get in. I didn't start doing this to entertain judges.

"I did it to entertain people in pubs and clubs and I feel like it's mission accomplished now."