THE second annual Gala Evening of the Wharfedale Festival of Theatre attracted 110 at Otley Golf Club where awards were made to local theatre groups and individual performers.

Following supper the Festival's chairman, Malcolm Pinder, began the awards ceremony by welcoming guests representing 15 local amateur groups. He reminded them that the aims of the Festival were to promote, celebrate and encourage good amateur theatre in the area and this year there had indeed been plenty to celebrate. He was particularly pleased to welcome so many young people and encouraged support of their talented work in local schools and youth groups.

Between September, 2000, and May, 2001, the travelling assessment panel had seen the work of 16 directors, five choreographers and five musical directors, 259 individual performances, 40 musicians all held together by the work of 230 backstage production team workers.

The major awards were won by: Plays - Addingham DG, best overall production, 'Outside Edge'; Limelight DG, second, 'Broken Glass'; Calverley Players, third, 'Straight and Narrow'.

Musicals - Ilkley Operatic, best overall production, 'Anything Goes'.

Schools and Youth Groups - Horsforth Grove, best overall production, 'Little Shops of Horrors'.

Individual acting awards - Alfie Israel (best actor), Muriel Thomas (best actress), Katrina Wood (best actress musical), Greg Silverwood (best actor musical), Rachel Greaves and Tom Kyle (outstanding youth performances).

Best directors - Chris Benstead, David Kirk and Royston Bayfield. Best musical director - Catherine Sweet.

Any other local groups interested in joining in the 2001/2002 year are invited to phone the Festival Secretary on 01943 467891.