A BRIDGWATER actress who stepped in to the leading role at the last minute has won a prestigious award.

When another actress fell ill just before the start of the Taunton Thespians' summer tour in July, Bridgwater's Martine Davies took on the role of Sylvia in 'The Two Gentlemen of Verona'.

Not only did she learn the role within a week - she went to win the Best Actress award at the Somerset Fellowship of Drama awards held this week.

But Martine is not resting on her laurels; she is now hard at work with the rest of the Taunton Thespians preparing for a new production of 'Oh What A Lovely War' which will run at The Brewhouse Theatre in Taunton from November 6 to 11.

Tickets cost £17.50 for adults and £10 for concessions, and are available from the box office on 01823 283244 or via brewhouse.net