A YOUTH amateur dramatics club is celebrating national acclaim as six of its members are set to star in professional shows across the country.

The aspiring actors from Spennymoor Youth Theatre Group are following in the footsteps of film stars Jude Law and Jamie Bell by appearing in productions by the National Youth Musical Theatre.

Chairwoman Christina Newton said: "In 2002 SYTG had success in the National Youth Music Theatre. We wowed audiences with Godspell and Fame and 40 of our Fame cast appeared in London's West End.

"Now six of our members are to perform with the National Youth Music Theatre.

"We are extremely proud of all of our members and would like to congratulate our six NYMT members and hope they take full advantage of the opportunity to perform with this national organisation."

Nicola Durkin, 16, will be in Spider Dance at Tunbridge Wells, and ten year-old Alex Nicholson is going to be in Orvin at Scarborough.

In August, Beth Stobbart, 16, Michael Pickering, 18, Beth Purvis, 15, and Natalie Durkin will tread the boards of Newcastle's Theatre Royal in Such Sweet Thunder.

Beth Purvis said: "It is nice to meet new people and work with top professionals in these national shows.

"Performing part of our Fame show at Her Majesty's Theatre in London last year was one of the best experiences of my life, and I know others feel the same.

"Being chosen to work with the National Youth Music Theatre will give us loads more confidence and is the best way to progress."