A FLEDGLING actor from Bury's amateur dramatics scene has scooped a top award.

Matthew Tanner (18) has been presented with the best newcomer award for his performance in Honk! at the Manchester Musical Awards.

The Holy Cross student, of Portinscale Close, Walshaw, is a member of the Whitefield Amateur Dramatics and Operatics Society (WADOS), and took on Ugly, the lead role in the play, based on the story of the Ugly Duckling.

The show, which ran throughout October last year at Radcliffe Civic Suite, was Matthew's second stage performance with an amateur group. His first role was a small part in Oliver some years ago.

He said: "This is the first male lead I have played and I was surprised to be up for the award because I had never done anything so big before.

"I have always been interested in drama and have done pantomimes in the past and I took part in school plays."

Matthew hopes to follow his dream and make a career in showbusiness. From September, he will be studying at the Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts.

His parents, Simon and Karen, are proud of their son's achievement. Younger brother Daniel (15), is also thinking about attending the Liverpool institute to study music.

Matthew added: "I'm coping with the nerves better now on stage than when I first started. Just before I go on stage now, I get excited."

Matthew could be in for another "gong" as he has been nominated for best male performer in the Greater Manchester Drama Federation Awards on June 26.

WADOS will be performing parts of Honk! in a showcase at the Lowry Theatre in Salford on July 11.