DRAMA groups from Bolton and beyond were recognised for a hard season's work at a special awards event earlier this month.

The Greater Manchester Drama Federation (GMDF) awards promote and celebrate all aspects of the amateur theatre movement in the region.

And among this year's 200-plus entries were shows, cast and crew who took to stages around Bolton over the past year.

Receiving nominations for awards from best acting to choreography, adjudicating and technical know-how were Bolton Little Theatre, Farnworth Little Theatre, Whitefield Garrick, Whitefield Amateur Operatic and Dramatic Society (AODS), Tyldesley Little Theatre and CATS Youth Theatre.

Out of seven nominations Whitfield Garrick walked away with three awards and some of the top accolades at the evening held at The Last Drop Village and Spa in Bolton.

Dave Eyre picked up best director for the group's September production of Salt of The Earth, while John O'Connell and John Still both received Best Actor accolade for their performances in The Prisoner of 2nd Avenue and Heroes, respectively.

Chairman Janet Leather said: "We are thrilled to be recognised by the Greater Manchester Drama Federation for the high standard of acting and directing in our productions.

"It is always delightful for our actors, directors and technicians to be nominated for their hard work during the season and we are very happy for the worthy winners of these sought after awards.

"All of these achievements would never have been acquired without the dedication of all our volunteers to whom we are extremely grateful."

Bolton Little Theatre was nominated for eight awards, winning best pantomime for Jack and the Beanstalk and Kimberley Riley Shipperbottom picking up best actress for her performance in The Thrill of Love.

Farnworth had an equally successful night with nine nominations and saw Joyce Smith win best supporting actress for The Game while Sam Cooper was awarded best supporting actor for Flare Path.

Member John Howarth said: "It is an excellent evening and it was good to see Farnworth little Theatre regulars, including John O'Connell, doing so well."

Meanwhile it was a chance for the youngsters to also celebrate, with with Bolton's CATS Youth Theatre receiving nine nominations and three awards.

Its big winners on the night were down to its production of Footloose which won the technical award for its "innovative staging and best youth theatre production, while leading man 17-year-old Joseph Foster won the best male performer in youth production award.

Chairman Paul Cohen added: "All the CATS are so pleased to have won and to be recognised for the high standards of the show.

"A lot of us went to the evening and it was a great chance to celebrate their work."