L AST month Tamworth Pantomime Company's Youth Academy held is first ever awards evening, recognising the theatre group's rising stars and top performers.

The night at Wilnecote Parish Hall, which is dedicated to thanking and rewarding the panto company's younger members for their efforts throughout a very busy year, is now set to become an annual event.

Panto company chairman Ian Gibbons said: "When you realises that the Tamworth Panto Youth Academy is just over one year old, it is quite amazing what has been achieved in such a short time.

"It is also incredible that Wendy Doyle, the artistic director, has kept her energy and enthusiasm for the project in what of course was a most devastating year for her, with the loss of her dear husband John, who was also a valued member of the company.

"The event was carried off with great aplomb and it was obvious to anyone attending that a great deal of hard work had gone into making everything so lovely.

"The room was wonderfully decorated, everything was thought of, from the confetti on the tables to the kids having their own tuck shop. I am pleased to report that the parents and grandparents of the students came out in force to support this great event.

"It was a delight for everyone in the room to see the kids so thrilled with their official pat on the back certificates and prizes.

"As Wendy quite rightly pointed out, there were really no winners or losers because every child is a star in his or her own right and they are all valued members of the organisation."

Presenting the awards on the evening was keen panto company member and local councillor Lee Bates.

Ian said: "Lee is one of our leading lights. He did a magnificent job in presenting the awards.

"He was as always very willing to join in the celebrations and quite prepared to have a giggle with the rest of us."

Ian added: "I would like to give massive thanks to all of the parents, friends and committee of the TPCYA for all of their help, support and encouragement during this first year.

"You really have passed all expectations."

Winners on the night were:

Dedication and Achievement Awards were presented to Jessica Bayliss, Alice Dix, Molly Dix, Charlotte Edwards, Thomas Edwards, Jaydeine Firkins, Kacy Firkins, Olivia Friend, Ashley Herbert, Talia Hurley, Thomas Jauncey, Elise Kane, Katie Littlefield, Tonisha Sippitts, Matilda Pratt, George Radcliffe, Jake Robinson, Daniel Shorrock, Molly Shorrock, Millie Southan, Heidi Southan and Leanne Steadman.

Achievement Awards were presented to Oliver Hurley, Maisie Bayliss, Callum Bayliss, Todd Radcliffe, Harvey Keeling, Brittany Allen, Katherine Morris, Niamh Morris, Sophie Mcguigan, Tonisha Sippitts and Dion Timmins.

Drama King – Thomas Jauncey.

Drama Queen – Jaydeine Firkins.

Star Performer of the Year – Alice Dix.

Personality of the Year – Daniel Shorrock.

Most Improved Student – Olivia Friend.

Most Promising Student – Elise Kane.

Students Student of the Year – Alice Dix.

Runner Up Students Student of the Year – Charlotte Edwards.

Comedy Award – Thomas Edwards.

Special Achievement Award – Chloe Dix.

Choreographers Awards – Laura Ann Doyle and Megan Horton.

Most Outstanding Award – Alice Dix.

Anyone interested in joining the TPCYA, can contact Wendy Doyle on 07842 588353 or just turn up to classes on any Saturday at St Editha's Church Hall, College Lane, Tamworth, from 10.30am.