Matthew Osborn has joined the ranks of Britain's funniest men and women after winning a nationwide contest at the Edinburgh Festival.

The 23-year-old comic and former used car salesman from East Grinstead only started doing stand-up 12 months ago but has already clocked up more than 100 gigs.

He has now walked off with one of the most coveted comedy awards in the festival.

Anyone might think the patter of the used car salesman would be the perfect training ground for stand-up but Matthew said his style couldn't be further from the brash stereotype.

He said: "I think good stand-up is when you reveal something about yourself rather than hiding behind a persona.

"I try to be myself on stage but I suppose I am different. I'm a bit darker."

Matthew saw off eight rivals at the So You Think You're Funny? (SYTYF?) 2002 finals at the Gilded Balloon, winning £2,000.

While critics have gushed about his obvious talent and eclectic style, Matthew said some thought he had created another middle-class "toff" character but those that do have misunderstood his performance.

He said: "I think some people assume I put on this accent as part of an act but I don't, I try to be myself."

He may like to make people laugh but he doesn't like to tell jokes.

"I never liked jokes as I child - not the kind with a punchline. I don't think comedy should be scripted, it should be natural. People should laugh about the person, not the punchline.

"My act is a monologue with all sorts of different themes, not a series of jokes."

For him, stand-up is a cathartic experience.

"I actually find it embarrassing to talk about myself when I'm in a small group. I'm much more likely to ask people questions about themselves. But when I get up on stage it's different.

"There, talking about myself comes naturally. What I like about stand-up is you're on your own."

He added: "I've always liked the idea of stand-up so I entered the competition and ended up winning. Life is funny, you just don't know what is going to happen.

"I haven't got anything lined up - I tend to wait for people to call me and see what happens. I was very please to win the award - the money was very nice and it is very flattering to make people laugh."

Although Matthew admitted making people laugh had to be one of the best ways to make a living, his true love is cars.

When he left Exeter University two years ago, having read political philosophy, Matthew set up a used car business with friends.

He said cars and comedy don't mix.

"I've never told any jokes about cars. Perhaps subconsciously they are too precious to me."