Does God have a sense of humour? This is just one of the many questions relating to God and comedy that a new church-backed course for young people will attempt to answer when it launches in September.

The "Do you think you're funny course?" course has received the full backing of the Diocese of Birmingham.

It aims to help youngsters between the ages of 16 and 25 develop their stand-up comedy talent while looking at some of the more theological and spiritual aspects of comedy.

Comedians Janice Connelly, Dharmander Singh and Andy White will join Helen Tomblin, Bishop's Adviser for Youth Ministry and founder of The Laughing Sole Comedy Club, for the four-part course.

The various sessions, beginning 1 September, will cover the theology of humour and the spirituality of laughter, including a discussion on whether God has a sense of humour.

The sessions will also guide budding comics through practical aspects of stand-up comedy like gag-writing and stage skills.

The course will culminate in a live performance on 15 September at Reunited, a diocesan gathering of young people at St Martins in the Bullring Church, being held in conjunction with Birmingham's ArtsFest art festival.