Jeff Innocent has been named the best comedian of 2016 in the Comics' Comic Awards.

Founded in 2013 and also known as the UK Comedy Awards, the Comics' Comic Awards are run by the stand-up comedians themselves and aim to highlight the best work on the comedy circuit. The results are determined via a vote, which is traditionally organised by whoever won the year before.

Innocent - who has been a runner-up in the awards in 2013, 2014 and 2015 - lives in the East End of London and has been performing stand-up comedy since graduating from university in the early 1980s. A few years ago he ran a show titled Stand-Up Comedy For Adults, in which anyone under the age of 40 was not permitted to enter unless joined by "an adult" (blog).

Writing on Twitter, Innocent said: "Privileged to be voted winner Best Live Comic 2016 by my peers. Genuinely chuffed. Thank you everyone. X"

Danny Mcloughlin, a Chester-based MC, was named Best Compere. He joked on Twitter: "According to my peers I'm this year's best act that punters think work in the kitchen of the gig. It means a lot thanks guys xx"

Rob Riley, a promoter and booker who runs various gigs from his Manchester base, was named Best Promoter. He tweeted: "I am uncharacteristically speechless. Thanks to all who voted and congrats to Jeff, Danny and Noel x"

Noel Faulkner, the owner of The Comedy Café venue in East London which is closing after 25 years due to rent rises, was named the recipient of the Outstanding Contribution to Comedy title for 2016.

Zoe Lyons, who was last year's Best Comic winner and thus organised this year's vote, posted on Facebook: "Well done one and all, your peers think the world of you. Hope you all have a blooming fabulous Christmas and see you on the road in 2017. Congratulations!!!! Xxx"