Theatre scholarships awarded

The candidates were required to perform a solo song, a dance routine and a piece of drama, in front of a panel of six judges.

The winner, Mollie Tucker (centre front), impressed the panel and won first place with a year’s free tuition in three disciplines: ballet, musical theatre and drama.

In second place came nine-year-old Alice Clements (right) and joint third was Chloe Willis (centre back) and Beth Allen (left) who each receive a term’s free tuition in a class of their choice.

The awards, given by ESSPA, amount jointly to £1,000.

An ESSPA spokesperson said: “To perform in front of a panel of judges all of whom are involved in professional theatre, shows great courage and is an excellent preparation for auditions in the professional world of theatre. The candidates rose to the challenge with talent, determination and confidence.”