A LEADING theatrical figure, who has been involved with dramatic societies right across East Lancashire for more than 40 years, last night won the Lancashire Evening Telegraph's Curtain Raiser award for his outstanding contribution to the amateur stage.

Brian Whittaker was presented with the award at East Lancashire's annual amateur 'Oscars' ceremony - the Northern Operatic and Dramatic Association awards- held at the Dunkenhalgh Hotel, Clayton-le-Moors.

Mr Whittaker has been involved, as an award winning actor and director, with Blackburn and Burnley Gilbert and Sullivan Societies, Burnley Light Opera Society, Bacup Empire Theatre and Blackburn Drama Club. Presenting the award Nick Nunn, assistant editor of the Lancashire Evening Telegraph said Brian had stepped in to take over direction of a show at three weeks notice, had a enormous sense of fun and generosity and was in demand throughout the region.

"In short he is a real trouper!"

For the thirteenth year of the ceremony, organised by NODA representative Margaret Gillibrand, Jacqui Williams, of Radio Lancashire, awarded a new trophy presented by the now disbanded Blackburn Hospital Players for the best performance in a pantomime.

Full details of the NODA awards will be published on Tuesday.