FANS of comedian, musician and actor Bill Bailey snapped up tickets within minutes of an announcement that he will visit the county on his new tour.

A surprise statement was revealed by the Old Fire Station in Carlisle yesterday morning, prompting an online frenzy for tickets.

After news spread at 10am, organisers from the city centre venue confirmed the event had sold out by 11am.

The comedian is best known for his previous stand-up shows such as Part Troll, Tinselworm, Qualmpeddler and Limboland and his work on the television programmes such as Channel 4's Black Books, plus BBC Two's Never Mind the Buzzcocks and QI.

The gig - which forms part of Bill's Work in Progress tour - will take to the stage at 8pm on Monday, February 10.

Staff at the Old Fire Station have claimed the event had the quickest sale they've ever had.

A delighted Cat Telford, production assistant and comedy promoter for the Old Fire Station said: "We are so excited to host a work in progress show for a Comedian as legendary as Bill Bailey.

"For a comedian who usually sells out arenas to be playing in a 230 seated venue in Carlisle is a real privilege.

"Our comedy programme is going from strength to strength at the moment, it seems that they really enjoy a Carlisle crowd.”

While fans may have missed out on the opportunity to see him in Carlisle, Bill will also pay two visits to the Old Laundry Theatre in Windermere.

Seats are still available for the other two performances in the Lake District.

He is set for two performances in the south of the county on Tuesday and Wednesday, February 11 and 12 at 8pm.

Tickets are £17.50 each and can be purchased on the Old Laundry Theatre website at www.oldlaundrytheatre.co.uk.