BRIDGWATER Amateur Operatic Society has scooped the top award in the equivalent of the Oscars for the amateur stage in the region.

At the Winter Gardens in Weston on Sunday, Bridgwater Amateur Operatic Society won best amateur production in the Rose Bowl Awards.

Their production of Stephen Sondheim's Sweeney Todd beat off competition from groups from around the South-West.

Their presentation also celebrated the 20th anniversary of their production in 1992, directed by the late Brian Buttle, which also won the Rose Bowl Award.

Cast members Ed Cresswick and Mike Hardy were also nominated for best actor and best supporting actor respectively.

Director James Tucker said he was proud to work with the society and a cast he ranked as one of the finest he had been involved with, as well as musical director Tony Pomeroy and choreographer Becki Tucker.

The society is hard at work to bring to life Some Enchanted Evening, the songs of Rodgers and Hammerstein, at Bridgwater Arts Centre from November 28 to December 1.

Tickets at £10 are available on 01278 662181, but numbers are limited and expected to sell out well before the event.

For further details visit www.bridgwateraos.co.uk