Fadlos Kidz, the junior section of Fakenham and District Light Operatic Society, was awarded £5,000 by the Norfolk Charitable Trust, which supports community projects throughout the county.

Joanna Ryan, a co-director of Fadlos Kidz, expressed her delight over the award, received just in advance of its July production of the West End hit musical Hairspray.

"This grant allows us to relax about money and concentrate fully on the show," she said. "People do not realise how expensive it is to put on a musical of this scale and the funding means the group can continue
for the next five years. We are extremely grateful."

Hairspray has been in rehearsal since January and will be performed at the community centre from July 14 to 17. Set in Baltimore, Maryland in the 1960s, it deals with sensitive issues such as race and bullying.

Commenting on the grant, chief executive of the Norfolk Charitable Trust, Laura Foster, said: "Fadlos Kidz is a worthwhile project for young people.

"Fakenham is an area with limited entertainment resources for youngsters and the group provides an outlet for their energies.

"We felt they deserved the financial support to match the hours of voluntary time given up for the children.

"It's a successful group who can now continue to grow and progress. We are very happy to help."

Current membership of Fadlos Kidz stands at about 50, aged between
seven and 19.

Most of the cast travelled down to London to see the professional
version of Hairspray on Shaftesbury Avenue. To their delight they were introduced to some of the stars.