AN amateur actress has won a national award.

Eileen Glenton won the President’s Cup from the National Operatic and Dramatic Association (NODA) for her portrayal of Norma Desmond in the Durham Musical Theatre Company (DTMC) production of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s musical Sunset Boulevard at the Gala Theatre, Durham in June.

Miss Glenton said: “I was so excited to be given the part of Norma Desmond. It really is the part of a lifetime.

“A lot of hard work went into creating this wonderful character and I was delighted with the response of everyone who came to see the show. This award is the icing on the cake.”

Gordon Richardson, from NODA, said: “As well as being an honour for Miss Glenton, this award is also an honour for the North-East, the Gala Theatre and DMTC, both the company and their production team.”