Channel 4 has announced plans to bring back the annual Comedy Awards in 2021, seven years after it dropped the event.

Previously known as the British Comedy Awards, the ceremony will be relaunched as the National Comedy Awards and be produced in aid of Stand Up To Cancer.

The awards first launched in 1990 and aired annually on ITV before being poached by Channel 4, who took over broadcasting duties in 2010 but cancelled it just four years later.

"This is an award show for our times," said Phil Harris, Channel 4's head of entertainment. "Fans will be able to vote on the people, some established and others less so, who really make them laugh.

"We will be celebrating some incredible comedy talent while supporting the incredible Stand Up To Cancer. It promises to be a very special night of TV."

Jonathan Ross presented the awards for the majority of its lifespan, although the broadcaster has yet to confirm whether he will be back as host next year.