The Littleport Players are celebrating after scooping a series of awards at the annual National Operative and Dramatic East Region awards.

They were nominated and worthy runners-up, for Best Musical for Avenue Q, and Best Pantomime for Cinderella, their wonderful costumier, Sheila Goodall, took first place in the Best Technical category for Avenue Q.

Sheila said: “It was quite a ‘Red Carpet’ affair, with several hundred people attending, which I found a little overwhelming.

“There were 11 Districts represented, which was a lengthy process as it meant sitting through the categories for 11 best musicals, 11 best pantos and then finally to the best technical section, and having to wait for the announcement made us rather anxious and apprehensive.

“But when we were announced as the winners, everyone was jumping up and down! We wanted to sell the puppets, so we thought why not bring them along with us. And we have had a few enquiries.”

Sheila, and choreographer and Director Becky Green went up with her puppet Lucy, to collect the award - and Lucy was kissing all the judges to great applause.

Sheila continued: “We now have a reputation to keep up to continue to produce the best. Avenue Q will be a hard act to follow, but we are looking forward to our next summer production, Nunsense - The Musical.”

Ever modest of her considerable sewing skills, in conclusion Sheila said: “It is quite simple for me. Not too much costume making because they are all dressed up as nuns.”