MEMBERS of a theatre group have received long service awards.

The 23 members of the Midlands Musical Theatre Group, which has members in the county, were given the awards by the National Operatic and Dramatic Association for their service to amateur theatre.

Awards ranging from 10 to 55 years were presented by Tony Derbyshire, NODA West Midlands regional councillor, at the group’s recent anniversary masked ball.

Among those receiving an award was Aileen Haden, the group’s chairman. Aileen has been involved with amateur theatre both on stage and as a director for 50 years.

She said: ”Singing was always my main interest from a very early age and, like most youngsters, I became a member of a school and church choir. During my teens, I became very interested in the musical theatre and joined local operatic societies and eventually progressed to take principal roles.”

Founder members of MMTG Robert Wilson, Joan Woollaston and Alan Woollaston also received medals for their devotion of 55 years to amateur theatre.