Pupils at the Calne Speech and Drama School scooped up awards at the annual Wootton Bassett Arts Festival last month.

The group gained two outstanding awards, for a solo performance by 15-year-old Olivia Anniss and a group performance in the category for actors over 14.

They also gained distinctions for a solo performance by 13-year-old Alice Hall and a group performance for actors under 14.

Miss Hall also won the mayor’s shield for the best performance in the highlights concert and Miss Anniss won the Rose Bowl for the most outstanding performance.

The older group wowed judges with their performance of the Thieves’ Carnival by Jean Anouilh and the younger group acted in The Plotters of Cabbage Patch Corner.

Calne Speech & Drama School opened in 2004 and pupils regularly achieve high marks in their LAMDA speech and acting examinations.

Principal, Rosalind Patterson, said: “The adjudicator was impressed with the splendid piece of theatre provided by the senior group actors praising them for their excellent characterisation.

“They have worked hard, and I enjoy teaching them. I teach at St Mary’s School so this is a labour love that I do.”