DARWEN Youth Theatre are celebrating a second victory in as many years.

The group have scooped their second Community Action Award - for their presentation of the musical West Side Story.

Their first production, Guys and Dolls, was also a roaring success with the people of Darwen.

And the 13 to 21-year-olds are not about to rest on the laurels, they are already rehearsing for another musical, Carousel.

Co-ordinator Stella Barclay said: "We are delighted to receive this award for the second year running. It gives our members a real boost.

"No one denies it is hard work but it is definitely worth it in the end. On both occasions tickets were sold out and we had to turn hundreds away."

The group is backed by the county council's youth and community service and Blackburn Council.

They meet twice a week, at the Library Theatre, and as well as rehearsing for their annual production, they run workshops in everything theatrical from voice training to music.

Stella added: "I have watched the members develop over the two years we have been formed and it is amazing to see how much they have learned. Their confidence has gone from strength to strength."

The group has also received financial backing from Darwen-based Crown Paints and the Library Players, who helped out with scenery.

Stella said: "I'd like to thank Colin Povey, our director, Chris Walker, our musical director, and Christine Connell, who helps out with odd jobs, such as making costumes."

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