THE CREAM of East Lancashire's amateur theatrical talent celebrated in style last night at the 15th annual NODA Awards dinner.

The Oscars-style ceremony held at Mytton Fold , Langho, was an occasion for all the areas leading theatre and musical groups to let their hair down and reflect on another year of success.

Over 30 awards were handed out during the evening with the guest of honour being Merseybeat actor John McArdle.

The evening was organised by Amanda Watmough, the regional representative for the National Operatic and Dramatic Association and the master of ceremonies was Andrew Rawlinson.

The Lancashire Evening Telegraph Curtainraiser Award for Outstanding Contribution to Amateur Theatre was presented to Stanley Whittaker for his lifelong association with the theatre in Rossendale.

Mr Whittaker, 71, has been associated with a number of societies in the area including Rossendale Amateurs and Bacup AODS and is a life member of Rossendale Players.

He was one of the prime movers in the campaign to find the group a permanent home which led to the opening of the New Millennium Theatre in Bacup in 2000.

The big winners on the night were Oswaldtwistle Players and Rossendale Amateurs, both societies picking up five awards - Oswaldtwistle for A Christmas Carol and Rossendale for Carousel.

In a new look ceremony entertainment was provided by Colne Operatic Society who performed excerpts from The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas.

In her speech Amanda Watmough commended the work of youth theatre in the area and introduced a new award for the best performance in a youth production which went to Stephen Cant, of Accrington Theatre Group Buddies.