Hollywood may have its Golden Globe awards and Oscars for all its movie stars but now amateur dramatic groups across the region are getting the star treatment with the Southern Daily Echo Curtain Call Awards.

More than 280 leading lights from the South's amateur dramatic scene attended the second awards evening at the Winchester Guildhall on Friday night.

Organised by this newspaper, the aim of the glitzy evening was to reward all the hard work and talent of these dedicated people who give up so much of their own time to put on plays and shows.

Just like the Oscars, the winners are kept top secret right up until the last moment, so it was a nail-biting evening as each golden envelope was opened amid dramatic drum roll and flashing lights.

Even super-sleuth Inspector Wexford, alias George Baker, who was guest celebrity at the event, didn't know who had won. The star of the popular Ruth Rendell Mysteries generously waived his appearance fee in return for the Southern Daily Echo making a donation to the Romsey Hospital Appeal, of which he is patron. The actor, who has appeared in no less than 27 West End plays and a staggering 96 TV plays, told the audience:

"The amateur dramatic societies are being honoured tonight and so they should be, because they do a tremendous amount to put drama into our villages, towns and cities.

"What a wonderful thing to be able to do and what a heritage you are keeping afloat, because the repertory companies have gone and will never come back. I have seen some quite spectacular performances by amateurs every bit as good as any professional."

From awards for best actor to best set and best lighting and effects, no-one had been forgotten whether they toiled backstage or performed front of curtain.

Scoring a hat-trick this year was Lyndhurst Drama and Musical Society which stole the evening by winning the highest accolade of Production of the Year plus best supporting actress and best costumes.

A delighted Rosie Nash from Fareham Musical Society picked up the new award of Best Choreographer for all her hard work in transforming non-dancers into first-class movers for Me and My Girl. Musical maestro Martin Paterson who is a member of Southampton Operatic Society won Best Musical Director - another new category introduced this year - for his excellent musical support on Oh What A Lovely War.

Even on a night when they had the chance to sit back and enjoy themselves, a few of the acting companies were happy to take a turn on stage. Exuberant Wayne Ings and Dave Wilkins of The Hamble Players performed an hilarious comedy sketch while Southampton Operatic Society members showed just why they are award winners by performing two superb numbers from Oliver.

Since February last year, the Daily Echo's team of Curtain Call reviewers has seen more than 35 productions.

Curtain Call reviewer and co-ordinator Tracie Beardsley said: "It was a wonderful evening. So often all the hard work that amateur dramatic groups do goes unnoticed. Why should it just be Hollywood stars who get all the glitz and glamour? The great thing about these awards is that they are open to any group, whether they perform an extravaganza on the Nuffield stage or put on a small play in a village hall in Bursledon."

** Thank you for helping **

The Southern Daily Echo would like to thank Lite Relief of Segensworth in Fareham for helping with music and sound for this event.

A big thank you also to Waitrose at West Quay for suppling winners with champagne.

* For the full list of winners see today's Southern Daily Echo