A SHINING star of the amateur dramatic world has been awarded with a special honour.

Tyldesley Little Theatre member and musical director Martin Taylor has been praised by his society after receiving an honourary Master’s degree from the University of Bolton for an outstanding contribution to the university and to public musical performance.

The Farnworth-born 44-year-old is a classically trained pianist and vocalist, with more than 25 years of live experience.

He has been a member of the theatre group for the past 15 years.

Described as not only a familiar but “much-loved face” at TLT, he first took on the role of musical director for its award-winning 2001 pantomime Beauty and the Beast.

He collected the honour at the graduation ceremony in Bolton on July 15.

He said: “I never imagined in my wildest dreams that I would ever receive such a wonderful award on an occasion such as this. It is a great honour.

“Music brings people together and it really is the soundtrack to all our lives.”

Martin trained at the former Bolton School of Music before going on to study popular music at Leigh College.

He has collaborated with numerous musicians and bands, as well as working as a soloist, playing a variety of genres from classical to contemporary, in local venues and university events in Bolton.

He has been the musical director of every pantomime that the local society has produced in the last 15 years, with no less than six of them having lifted Best Pantomime Awards at The Bolton News and Bolton Amateur Theatre Awards.

In addition to his pantomime contributions, Martin has also been involved musically with a trio of award-winning plays: Washboard Blues, The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole Aged 13¾ and Flamingoland.

TLT are looking forward to welcoming him back to the society this autumn/winter season when he will begin rehearsals for its 31st full-length pantomime, Treasure Island – the Panto.

The show will run from November 25 to December 3, with tickets already on sale.

For more information or to purchase tickets to the show call the TLT box office number on 01204 655619 or 01942 886908, or visit tlt.org.uk.