MEMBERS of a local theatre group have got stars in their eyes after being named 'champions' in a prestigious awards ceremony.

Nantwich Players have won the Champion Team award in the South Cheshire Champion Awards at the Crown Plaza Hotel in Chester. The awards are an exciting new venture to honour ‘champions’ from all parts of the community. There are categories for schools, young people, sporting achievement and charity work. The Players won the team award because of their involvement in the community as well as their dramatic skills.

Pat Hough, president of Nantwich Players, said: “We are immensely proud to have been named as Champions Team in these awards and it is absolutely true that our members work hard as a team. "There are 120 people, of all ages, presenting six plays a year at the theatre in Love Lane, Nantwich.

"And it is a matter of all pulling together – some people act, others help behind the scenes, supplying props and painting, prompting, making coffee, looking after the bar, welcoming the audience – the whole thing is a real team effort.

"We are also closely involved in events in the town.

"For example, this year we took part in the Food and Drink Festival. "We always put on a short play on Holly Holy Day and earlier this year we joined in the Medieval Fair on St George’s Day.

"We also have a thriving youth theatre and youth workshops run by professional tutors.

"We are especially pleased to have gained the award this year, because we have just begun an ambitious programme to enlarge the theatre and increase the number of seats from 80 to 120.

"Our aim is to enhance the theatre for visitors and members. "We also want to make it more attractive for community groups in the town who use our facilities.

We are working hard to raise funds for these improvements.”

The Players Theatre also scooped Visitors Choice Award for the second year running in a ceremony at Crewe Hall.