2014 will see the launch of the Edinburgh Fringe's first awards for the best comedy posters.

Sponsored by advertising agency Fold7, the Comedy Poster Awards seek to recognise the talented people behind the brilliantly witty and visually arresting posters that advertise the shows of the top comedians and performers at the Fringe.

Founder Gina Lyons says: "Edinburgh is filled with posters. I often go to see a show based on a poster that made me laugh. Months, effort and a lot of attempts go into making posters and I think in 2014 it's about time we award that."

She explains: "I had the idea for the Comedy Poster Awards whilst chatting to comedian Harry Deansway at last year's Fringe. I was cracking up at his genius poster (the back was the back of his bald head) and I told him if there was an award for posters he would take first place. So I created one."

Entries will be judged by Fold7 Executive Creative Director Ryan Newey, and prizes will be handed out at the Edinburgh Comedy Poster Awards Dinner, hosted by Russell Kane, on Monday 18th August at the Scotsman Hotel in Edinburgh.

Newey says: "Fold7 has decided to get involved with the Comedy Poster Awards this year so we can sniff out any exciting new talent and make a small tribute by recognising the acts who advertise themselves best. For an unknown comedian the poster has to do a lot of work and we thought it worth putting some up on a wall and saying well done. I'll leave the jokes to Russell Kane."

Russell Kane adds: "Buzzing to be the poster boy of the poster awards. One thing's for sure; that night, I'm gonna nail being one dimensional."

Entries are already being accepted, until Wednesday 13th August. To submit your poster, visit Fold7's website and complete their entry application form.