THEATRE company The Three Towns has taken centre stage to be recognised for its showstopping productions.

The red carpet was rolled out for the starts of the amateur dramatic scene for the annual National Operatic and Dramatic Association (NODA) Awards, held at the Piccadilly Hotel in Manchester.

The Three Towns Operatic Society was awarded Best Gilbert and Sullivan Production for its performance of HMS Pinafore and Trial by Jury at St Joseph’s Hall, Leigh in May 2017.

Director, David Kay received the Award on behalf of the society from Nick Lawrence, the NODA National President.

He said: "This is a fitting tribute for all the talent, hard work and enthusiasm within the society."

Rod Dakin was nominated for Best Musical Direction, Barbara Mayers for Best Female Comedy Performance and Ken Rees for Best Supporting Male in a Musical.

Christine Hunter Hughes, the North West Regional Councillor said: "It was a superb production, with excellent singers, a great chorus, bright and colourful, I thoroughly enjoyed the whole evening.

"The singing was absolutely superb with many wonderful characterisations across the whole cast. A most memorable evening!”

Following the glittering ceremony, the society held its Annual Dinner and Awards Evening.

In recognition of an outstanding contribution to the life and work of the society the prestigious ‘Margaret Dakin Memorial Award’ was presented jointly to David Kay and Margaret Laithwaite by Rod Dakin, Musical Director.

David is a founder member of the society, he has been chairman and treasurer and is currently vice-chairman.

He has been director to the society for 30 years, leads the set construction team, is assistant conductor and a member of the concert committee.

Rod said: "David is clearly the mainstay of the society and his commitment is one hundred per cent."

Margaret Laithwaite from Atherton is also a founder member of the society, was lead soprano for many years, currently wardrobe mistress and runs the Hundred Club.

Rod said: "If you need a job doing, Margaret is always there.”

The Chorus Trophy was this year awarded to Fran Davies for her stagecraft, "enthusiasm, dedication and commitment".

The society performances are accompanied by a professional orchestra and each year they award their ‘Orchestra Trophy’ for an outstanding performance or amusing portrayal of a role. This year the award was presented to Alison Rawlinson from Bolton, she played the part of one of Orpheus’ unruly pupils and gave a good impression of genuinely playing the violin.

National Operatic and Dramatic Association (NODA) Long Service Awards were presented by Ann Batchelor chairman of the society to Margaret Laithwaite, Derek Morris and David Kay for 50 years service; Mildred Marsh for 40 years, Ursula Lightford for 25 years; Ann Batchelor for 15 years; Alison Rawlinson, Lorraine Dakin, Bruce Deakin and Marjorie Bailey for 10 years.

The society is now in rehearsal for its annual concert which will take place on Friday, November 16 and Saturday 17 at St Joseph’s Concert Hall.

A variety of Songs from the Shows, Broadway, West End, Popular and Classical Music in a relaxed cabaret setting.