At a time when most people start thinking about taking it easy, a semi- retired civil engineer is setting the UK comedy circuit alight.

Purley resident Palan Nsor is living a schoolboy dream bringing laughter to comedy fans.

The 68-year-old has won a number of open mic competitions across London.

The married father- of-two who is originally from Sri Lanka, lives in Higher Drive, Purley, and worked for decades managing civil building projects, but knew as he faced retirement comedy would be his next thing.

He now performs at one or two open mic gigs each week, and hopes to impress promoters enough to secure a prestigious spot at the world’s largest arts festival, the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.

He said: “I like to take everyday situations and turn it into comedy.

“I just want to have a positive effect and give people a good time. I will not do vulgarity in my act and will not be cruel to someone... unless they deserve it.”