THE local 'Oscars' were celebrated in style at a sparkling ceremony for East Lancashire stars of the stage.

The NODA awards for East Lancashire amateur theatrical societies were presented on Friday night at the Dunkenhalgh Hotel, Clayton-le-Moors.

Organiser Margaret Gillibrand said: "It went extremely well and it was a very exciting night. All of the nominees from the Region 3 societies were there with their friends and supporters."

The biggest hit of the evening was Blackburn Drama Club's Journey's End, a sombre play with an all-male cast set in the trenches during the Great War.

The club won best play and best stage design, while producer Dorothy Perkins won the award for best artistic direction of a play, Steven Derbyshire won best actor in a play and Mark Duxbury won the best newcomer in a play.

Director Anthony Williams, who recently took over the Bacup Empire Theatre, again won the best artistic direction of a musical and best choreography prizes for Burnley Light Opera Society's show Pirates of Penzance. He said: "I had an excellent time and was glad to receive three awards for Pirates of Penzance with Burnley Light Opera Society. Most of the people involved in amateur dramatics have a passion and devote their time and money to keep theatre going. I believe that the awards encourage people to strive for better. It would be sad if we didn't have ceremonies like this because it is great for everyone to get together and catch up."

Brian Whittaker won best supporting actor in a musical for his part in the show.

The prestigious Lancashire Evening Telegraph Curtain Raiser award was presented to Stan Tate, a Blackburn producer, by editor Kevin Young.

Mr Young said: "This event proves once again how vibrant the dramatic scene is across East Lancashire. All the award winners have given outstanding performances and I know the judges had a difficult time choosing them from the other nominees."

For full results, see tonight's Lancashire Evening Telegraph.

Picture: Stan Tate proudly displays the Lancashire Evening Telegraph Curtain Raiser trophy, watched by other prize winners