A TEENAGE actress from Kidderminster is celebrating after her performance as a hitman's girlfriend won her a top prize at an annual comedy festival.

Katherine Jones, of Low Habberley, received The Adjudicators award at The Golden Beaks Comedy Awards, held in Bridgnorth last month.

The event, which is in its 10th year, was held at the Theatre on the Steps and attracted entries from across the UK.

Katherine, who attends King Charles I High School, played the part of Gloria in The Hitman, which was staged by four members of Blakedown's Theatre 282.

Ben Moseley, who directed the J C W Brook play, said: "There were 12 very different styles of comedy, which were all very interesting and funny and all made for a great fun weekend. Our play was quite a dark comedy, as you can image with a title like The Hitman."

The comedy tells the story of a couple who are going through a rocky stage in their marriage when the husband decides to hire a hitman to kill his wife.

Katherine said she enjoyed the performance, adding: "I didn't have a lot to say - I had to sit on stage in a short skirt and eat biscuits. I loved all the rehearsals as we all got on very well. It was a fantastic experience. We made a lot of new friends and got to see a lot of different performances."

The 16-year-old, who is studying for her A-levels, has been a member of Theatre 282, based at the Parish Rooms, for three years.

She said: "I do like doing comedies because you get the laughter and interaction with the audience but it is nice doing a serious play as well. I have played Meg in Little Women, which is a more serious role. I enjoy everything about acting. Just being on the stage is great."

Theatre 282 has just started rehearsals for a pantomime - Jack and the Beanstalk - and Katherine will be playing the part of Jack.

It will be directed by Ian Dolman and takes place from Thursday, December 1 until Saturday, December 3.

For further details, visit www.theatre282.com