THE annual Bolton Amateur Theatre Society (BATS) awards will take place tomorrow, honouring the stars of the town's thriving amateur theatre scene.

The prestigious event will showcase talent from the area and will include awards for best actor and actress, best comedy and best musical.

David Thacker will once again be presenting the prizes at this the ceremony. The Octagon Theatre's former artistic director became patron of the society in 2014.

Last year hundreds of people attended the event at The Last Drop Village Hotel in Bromley Cross — and this year's ceremony is set to be even bigger.

Chairman Paul Cohen said: "This year we have seen more than 70 productions and with 14 award categories, we are keen to find out who will come out as winners. The talent in Bolton is fantastic and it's good to see the orchestras and choirs go from strength to strength as well as the traditional theatre groups.

"We are also delighted to once again have David Thacker presenting the awards, which forges the link between us and the Octagon Theatre, which has consistently been supportive of us."

Last year Marco Players scored a double victory for their production of A Streetcar Named Desire, which was awarded Best Drama and Best Actress in a Drama for Julie Hall, who played Blanche DuBois.

A special accolade — the Michael Rodgers Award — was given to Bolton Little Theatre chairman Elizabeth Tatman MBE.

Attendees to tomorrow's event will enjoy a buck's fizz reception upon arrival before sitting down to a three-course meal before the awards are given out.

Paul said: "The event is not only a way of recognising talent in the borough, but also for members to get together, catch up and have a good time.

"I have been chairman for 13 years now and each year it gets bigger and better. It's good to see productions getting braver, too, such as Rent and this season's The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. People are moving away from traditional plays and taking on challenges that are really paying off."

The event will take place at the Last Drop Village Hotel tomorrow from 7pm.