Comedians Ben Hurley (L) and Steve Wrigley (R) respectively won the Fred award and the Billy T award at last night's NZ Comedy Awards. Photos / Supplied

Comedians Ben Hurley (L) and Steve Wrigley (R) respectively won the Fred award and the Billy T award at last night's NZ Comedy Awards. Photos / Supplied

Wellington comedians had the last laugh at the New Zealand Comedy Awards in Auckland last night.

Wellington comedian Steve Wrigley won the Billy T award for best up and coming comedian while ex-Wellingtonian Ben Hurley took out the Fred award - named after the immortal Fred Dagg character - given to a comedian of at least eight years' experience for best solo show at the New Zealand International Comedy Festival.

The awards, announced at Auckland's Sky City Theatre, marked the end of the 2008 festival.

- NZPA