From having a pint in his local to mingling with celebs in Hollywood... worlds apart, but stand-up comic Kieran Mellish is just as at home at both.

The 24-year-old is currently trying to make it big on the open-mic circuit in the United States with the help of Nick Swardson, a celebrated American actor, comic, screenwriter and producer who has taken him under his wing.

And with gigs at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, a residence at The Mirage in Las Vegas and a comedy tour from Pittsburgh to Chicago under his belt, the future is looking bright.

His dream was to get a coveted place at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in Los Angeles where the likes of Grace Kelly, Spencer Tracy and Robert Redford once trod the boards.

So he took a year off to work at his father’s maintenance company and, after gaining a scholarship, at the age of 22 he was on his way across the Atlantic.

While studying acting he spent his spare time focusing on being a stand-up comedian.

His big break came when he met Swarsdon in a bar and he asked him to join him at the Mirage and on a tour of famous nightclubs and comedy stores.

Kieran said: “It’s scary how fast things have gone for me in America. The comedy scene is much bigger over there and there are more opportunities.

“I have had some terrifying moments, like when Nick asked me to do Vegas. I didn’t have enough material, but I could hardly say no. I can only describe it like ‘The Hangover’ movie in real life.”