One of Latchingdon Arts and Drama Society's (LADS) young actors was celebrated at the North Essex Theatre Guild awards earlier this month.

Ayla Moor, 16, won The Derek Payne award for Best Young Actress, following her portrayal of young Amy March in Little Women.

The Latchingdon-based drama group received seven nominations in total.

Ayla played the part of the youngest sister, Amy. Ayla's portrayal of Amy's "visual beauty" and her character's "little temper" were said to be very well executed. She has appeared in a couple of LADS productions and "really enjoyed" her part in Little Women.

Sharyn Hughes, Director of Little Women, told Nub News: "Ayla played the part of Amy March very well, with her little quirks coming through to portray the role.

"I'm really chuffed with all the hard work Ayla put into the role."

Sharyn expressed her gratitude to the other Little Women cast members, for "coming together and working so hard to put on an excellent show".

Other cast members portraying the March Family were Justine Ephgrave, Jess Hallam, Heather Bainbridge and Chloe Cooch.

Rehearsals for LADS' next production, A Bunch of Amateurs, are in full-swing and the troupe is preparing to stage it in November.

The group welcomes new members, with plenty of ways to get involved, both on and off-stage. For more information, visit the LADS Facebook page.

At the same ceremony, Maldon Drama Group's Martin Adams won the Alan Meekings Award for Best Supporting Actor, following his performance as the ancient and accident-prone waiter Alfie in One Man 2 Guvnors.

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