FOR the fifth time Sedgefield Players long serving member Norma Neal came away from the Isle of Man Easter Festival of Plays, with the Best Actress award.

The players have won the award eight times since starting to compete in the festival.

The players entry - My Mother Said I Never Should - was third in the Best Production category and won the Best Costume and Make Up award.

Producer Walter Howell said: "It was particularly pleasing that we topped 80 out of 100 in the marking, which demonstrated the high standard. We came away very pleased with ourselves."

The players are back on the competitive trail on Saturday when they will be hoping for an award in the North Eastern divisional finals of the All England Festival of One Act Plays in Sedgefield parish hall, with their play The Trial, by Anthony Booth.

The players will compete against Ferriby Dramatic Society, winners of the Humberside Festival with Me and My Friend, and York Festival winners the Rowntree Players with Bogey.

The winning play will go on to the Northern Area Final.

The performances will take place in Sedgefield Parish Hall on Saturday at 7pm.

Tickets, £5 and £4.50 concessions, are available from Selections, any member of the Sedgefield Players, or by ringing (01740) 620000.