In a delightful twist of amusement, a joke about punctuation has been recognised as the funniest in this year's Beano comic competition. The prestigious accolade has gone to a group of Year 5 students from Riverley Primary School in Leyton, London, for their clever quip: “What do you call the fanciest punctuation? An a-posh-trophe.” This charming entry has not only brought laughs but also crowned their teacher, Maisha Mahfuza, as Britain’s Funniest Teacher.

The students' achievement will be celebrated in this week’s issue of Beano, which marks its 4,290th edition. The joke, illustrated by the renowned artist Nigel Parkinson, epitomises the comic’s commitment to showcasing the creativity of children. Mike Stirling, the director of mischief at Beano, noted that the comic stands out as “the only comic where kids are in charge,” and highlighted how this annual competition fuels laughter and encourages the next generation of comedic talent. He remarked, “This perfectly crafted joke is creative, mischievous and 100% funny. It had us laughing out loud.”

Ms Mahfuza expressed her excitement, stating, “Seeing our class and joke featured in Beano was surreal. Britain’s Funniest Class competition is a fantastic way to spark laughter, boost creativity and build confidence in children.” Her sentiment reflects the educational value of humour, with an understanding that learning can be both fun and impactful.

The competition received numerous entries from schools across the UK, showcasing a variety of humorous perspectives on everyday topics. Other notable jokes that made it to the top ten included: “What’s the cleverest school dinner? Maths potato,” and “Why did the shark have a stomach ache? Because it ate a school dinner.” Each submission provided a glimpse into the creative minds of children and their unique interpretations of humour.

The school will receive the official Beano “Britain’s Funniest Class” trophy, alongside Gnasher Badges and comic subscriptions for every student. Such incentives not only reward creativity but also encourage continued engagement with literature and comedic writing among young learners.

As the Beano continues to cultivate a love for humour and storytelling, this competition serves as a reminder of the joy found in playful language and the importance of nurturing creativity in children. In a world that often feels heavy, the light-heartedness and whimsy of a witty joke can offer a refreshing reprieve, and the pupils of Riverley Primary School have proven just that.

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Source: Noah Wire Services