THE best and brightest of the amateur drama scene in Greater Manchester have shared a stage of success.

Actors, actress, singers, designers, directors et al, converge on Bolton for the Greater Manchester Drama Federation (GMDF) Awards 2017.

The night at the Last Drop Inn was a celebration of a the hundreds of performances which have taken to stages throughout the year.

Bolton proved to be one of the top performers on the night, with actors both young and old and behind the stage crew all picking up awards.

GMDF vice chairman and chairman of the Bolton Amateur Theatre Societies (BATS), Paul Cohen said: "Once again Bolton amateur theatre has shone through with an array of awards which demonstrate the high standard of theatre presented by the town.

"Along with these spectacular wins we also had many nominations with is testimony to to the hard work that goes on to ensure Bolton presents fabulous live amateur theatre throughout the year.

"Next year looks just as promising with a stunning line up of amazing productions. Whilst it is not about winning awards, our emphasis needs to be continuing to present great theatre."

Winners included best technical award for Farnworth Little Theatre's Sara Halsall for her work on Turn of the Screw while 11-year-old Adam Crompton also collected best male youth performer for his role as the haunted Miles in the thriller.

Phoenix Theatre Company's Connor O'Beirne picked up best director for a A Few Good Men while leading man Ben Latham won best actor for his portrayal of Lt Daniel Kaffee.

St Philips AODS also won two awards – the adjudicators award went to its technical team and best female youth performer went to actress Lola Rigby – for The Railway Children, as did Bolton Little thanks to best supporting actress Rebecca Carney in Frame 123 and best pantomime Cinderella.

The team from of CATS Youth Theatre also celebrated success with members Em and Louise Cohen picking up best choreography for Anything Goes.

other winners close to home include the Rossendale Players with five awards, Prestwich ADOS with three, Bury's Summerseat Players with two, and Whitefield Garrick with one.

Farnworth Little Theatre's Natalie Crompton, from Bromley Cross, directed her son Adam in Turn of the Screw and was there with him to celebrate on the night.

She said: "He was very pleased. I was nominated, as was his dad, but he walked away with the prize.

"It was such a nice evening and there were 300-plus people there so it's a chance to see people you have worked with from across the region.

"People would be surprised if they went to these show to see what a high standard of theatre is being produced."