PERFORMERS from a Halesowen theatrical group have scooped accolades given annually in memory of previous stalwart members.

Kirsty Aldridge, who joined Startime Variety 15 years ago, was voted by members to receive the Sheila Darby award for contributing the most to the society during the past year.

It was the second time the 28-year-old had won the award, after taking over running the society's choir, vice-chairman role and producing the summer show.

"Everybody is so supportive and I am so over the moon to have won the award. It's such a lovely society to be part of.

"I started as a dancer and was quite shy and now I'm an all rounder, taking parts and am really involved and loving it." she said.

The Tony Vincent award for best performance as voted by the audiences, went to Kelly Marley, also for the second time, having won it in 2011.

The 36-year-old impressed theatre-goers with her performance as a contestant, dancer and soloist in their summer show Startime in Your Eyes.

She said: "I'd had a break for a couple of years, so I was even more nervous. I get really nervous before I go on stage but once I've done it and got a good response it's great and it's brilliant to win an award from the audience, it's so special."

Sheila Darby was a member of Startime from 1972, but died from cancer about 20 years ago when she was in her 40s. Tony Vincent, who had been a member or more than 20 years, died in 2000 aged 59.

Rehearsals are already in full swing for Startime’s annual panto at the Cornbow Hall which will be Sleeping Beauty, written and produced by Holly Mills, with performances from Wednesday January 18 until Saturday January 21.

Tickets can be booked by calling 07901 055685 or online at www.startimevariety.co.uk