Theatre-mad Nellie back on stage at age of 82

Nellie Booth, from Yeadon, has been unable to take many roles in the last five years because of ill-health and family circumstance, but when Yeadon Amateurs put on three one-act plays next month, Mrs Booth will take to the stage once more.

She will play the role of grandma in the comedy drama Deadly Poison - and said that despite her age, she has no plans to give up acting just yet as being on the stage keeps her young.

Mrs Booth, of Hawthorn Road, said: "I'm looking forward to the role. I plan to keep going on the stage for as long as I can because I enjoy every minute of it.

"Being on the stage keeps me young and keeps me occupied. The theatre is my life, I'm happier on stage than off it and I get to meet lots of very interesting and very nice people. I don't know what I'd do if I couldn't act or sing - if I live to 100 then I'll still be on the stage!"

Mrs Booth, who won the February award in the Wharfedale Observer's Community Oscars campaign in recognition of her community work last year, is also a member of Rawdon Amateurs.

She first started singing when she was a five-year-old living in Nottingham and has received numerous accolades over the years for both her acting and singing, including more than 50 certificates and three awards. Among these is a prestigious honours certificate for elementary singing at the London College of Music.

Mrs Booth has been a member of Yeadon Amateurs for more than 40 years and even when not acting, she helps to sell tickets, assists back stage or is on the door.

"I don't see my age as something to hold me back. You've got to keep going to show the other old ones what can be done," she added. Through acting, she has met stars like Val Doonican and Keith Harris and Orville, who have played at Yeadon Town Hall.

Mrs Booth, also a member of Yeadon Charities Association for more than 35 years, is hoping to appear in another production as soon as possible.