It's show time!

Theatre groups from across the area gathered at the event, supported by Vale Royal Borough Council, to celebrate another amazing year in amateur theatre and to find out who would be going home with awards.

The show started with a rousing excerpt from Vale Royal Amateur Operatic Society's production of Calamity Jane before presenters Gemma Sproston and Richard Kelsall presented the first of the awards.

The musical theme continued throughout the first act with musical extracts courtesy of Frodsham Pantomime Group, with a delightful piece from Snow White, and the highly talented Factory Academy of Dramatic Arts burst on to the stage with an extract from Wicked.

The second half of the show focused on drama with three excellent selections - The Musicians, from Davenham and Sandiway Players, Cat on a Hot Tin Roof by the Harlequin Players and Hindle Wakes, from Moulton Drama Group.

A total of 18 awards were presented before Vale Royal Deputy Mayor Clr Doug Shingler presented the Harlequin Players with the Overall Excellence award for Cat on a Hot Tin Roof and Eleanor Underhill, managing director of Guardian Series Newspapers, presented Moulton Drama Group with the Rose Bowl Award for Best Production for Hindle Wakes.

A raffle, with prizes donated courtesy of LA Fitness, The Anderton and Thorntons, helped to raise £120 for St Luke's Hospice.

Guardian deputy editor Hayley Smith said: "The Guardian Rose Bowl Awards are always a fantastic occasion but this year in particular was one of the best due to the high standard of productions.

"It's incredible to think that nine years on this event is still thriving and the number of theatre groups and schools taking part is increasing.

"This is testament to the dedicated and committed work undertaken by everyone involved with the event and I'm confident that we can make next year's 10th anniversary celebration even more special."

l Thanks to The Hidden Nursery for lending the stage foliage and Tesco for providing the sparkling wine.

It's show time!