A MELKSHAM music and drama group has scooped a top prize at the National Operatic and Drama Association (NODA) awards.

Melksham Music and Drama (MMAD) picked up the award for best comedy production in the south west for its adaption of the Christopher Wortley-penned musical Act Your Age.

Directed by Sharon Hellyer, the show won praise from audiences – and even the writer himself.

The awards ceremony took place at the Marriott Hotel in Bristol on March 4.

Dee Way, NODA's south west regional representative, said: “The accolades for this performance have to go to the actors, all of whom did a great job in creating the wide variety of characters needed. There is a lot of talent here, the whole cast acted well to make the production very successful and a very good team effort.

“I have not laughed so much for years and I thoroughly enjoyed the entire show.”

Ten members of the group attended the awards evening, where they were up against eight other amateur dramatic clubs from the south west.

Geoff Mitcham, chairman of the MMAD, said: “The evening was overwhelming and the reaction on our table when they announced the winner said it all. Both Sharon and I couldn’t wait to get our hands on the trophy.”