TALENTED youngsters from CATS Youth Theatre have successfully completed their first London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art exams in January.

Sophie Arnold, Alicia Mullett, Liam Christie, Georgia Brooks, Katy Shaw, Amy Shaw, Alice Finlay and Laura Cunliffe were all awarded merits, while Ella Shorten, Arianna Atjar and Emily Cohen achieved distinctions CATS started LAMDA exams in 2006 to help members achieve a higher level of acting ability.

Paul Cohen, CATS co-ordinator, said: "This has been an excellent opportunity for our members to explore characterisation, interpretation and to analyse and deliver a set piece of drama.

"We are proud of our members' achievements. There were 10 entrants from the junior section of CATS and one entrant from the seniors. The juniors have done extremely well with three of the youngest members being eight years old."