Chorley Theatre scoops award

Ian Robinson, chairman of Chorley Amateur Dramatic and Operatic Society, which owns the theatre, scooped the Special Achievement Award at the ceremony on Saturday night.

He beat six other nominees, thanks to his tireless work to raise money after a disastrous roof problem threatened to close the theatre for good.

Ian used his love of stand- up to start a comedy stream, pulling in comedians as big as Dave Gorman, Russell Howard and Jack Dee.

And he and his team worked tirelessly to improve the place, working on everything from backstage renovation to amazing sets for plays

But he wasn’t there to collect his prize – he was at the wedding of his best friend and the theatre’s panto producer. He said: “I got a text from our NODA sponsor to tell me I’d won. I was absolutely amazed!”