ALTRINCHAM Creative Theatre School's fifth birthday celebrations were made extra special - when the group welcomed a VIP visitor to its recent productions.

The Mayor of Trafford, Councillor Ejaz Malik, attended both Oliver Twist and Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream, a theatrical testament to the young company's versatility.

Cllr Malik said he was "very impressed" by both plays and praised both groups for their "hard work."

Head Tutor Valerie Harris added: “Too often people dismiss plays performed by young people as ‘not very good’. These were demanding plays but the students proved how talented they are by producing excellent performances across the board. I am very proud of all of them and my thanks to everyone who helped and supported us.”

A.C.T.S would also like to thank again North Cestrian Grammar School and the help they received from pupils Max Dowd, James Mulholland and Harvey Bowcock.

* Anyone interested in finding out more about ACTS should email Valerie Harris, at info@acts4u.org.uk or visit actsdrama.wordpress.com