A DARWEN theatre company today vowed to put the town on the map after gaining international recognition at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.

The Talia Theatre, based next to Darwen Library Theatre, was formed in 1997 and works with local children and adults who need to boost their self-esteem.

But after 23 successful appearances at this year's festival, the theatre group is now hoping to give Darwen that extra push and bring more money into the town.

The group, which is a not-for-profit organisation and soon to become a registered charity, was among five theatre companies out of around 2,000 to be nominated for the Best Ensemble award in the stage awards.

Despite not winning, co-director James Beale said it was still a major boost.

He said: "It went very well and hopefully this recognition will help us secure more grants and put Darwen on the map.

"The Scotsman gave us four stars and we didn't get anything less than four stars in any reviews.

"We are a very professional theatre company and although we were very confident we were still very pleased that we had been recognised.

"We are unique as we are the only theatre company in Europe to use a technique from Russia called theatrical biomechanics which makes the acting much more physical to watch and more interesting to look at.

"A company from America won the award but I think we would have been close behind. "

The theatre company, which is funded through Government grants and ticket sales, is running a training project at Westbury Gardens United Reformed Church, Blackburn, to help build the confidence and self-esteem of adults.

The company was founded by Chloe Whitehead and James Beale, who were inspired by Russian director Gennadi Bogdanov. They expect the group to become a charity by April next year.

The pair met at Middlesex University where they studied English literature and drama and 11 years later they set up the theatre company.

The play '7 Assilon Place', which they performed at the fringe festival, told the story of three asylum seekers living together and the issues surrounding them.

Topical issues, such as juvenile nuisance, are also used by the company to educate its audience.

Anyone wanting to get in touch with the theatre company can contact it on 01254 761010.