The third annual A4b amateur theatre awards presentation gala took place at Abergavenny's Angel Hotel on Saturday evening.

Run by A4b the Borough Theatre based committee promoting and supporting the amateur theatre community at the theatre, the awards are designed to highlight the very best in performances staged by the theatre's 'user societies' - AAODS and AAODS juniors, Abergavenny Pantomime Company and Breakthrough Productions.

Judges for the this year's awards were Helen Thresher, Judith Candler and Phil Michell, who praised the high standard of performance and the passion for theatre shown by the town's amateur companies.

The evening also saw the presentation of the Bernard Zavishlock award for outstanding contribution to amateur theatre, which this year was awarded to former town mayor and Honorary Burgess, Alan Breeze.

Presenting the award to Mr Breeze, the Borough Theatre's manager Nick Banwell said that outstanding contributions can be made in many ways and that without Mr Breeze's support in establishing the need for a theatre in Abergavenny and his staunch support for its refurbishment and development, the Borough Theatre would undoubtedly not exist today.

A shocked Mr Breeze, who received a standing ovation from the audience of performers and theatre volunteers, reminded those present of the early fights at Monmouth Borough Council to save the theatre for the town and the Borough.

He also praised the team of volunteers who work tirelessly to keep the theatre running and paid tribute to the Mr Banwell for his work in establishing the theatre as one of the top venues in the country.

Speaking after the event, the chairman of A4b Liz Davies said, "We'd like to thank all those who have helped make the awards a success this year. Our sponsors Abergavenny Town Council, Abergavenny Rotary Club and Zenith McGarty, the Angel Hotel and of course of all those performers who work so hard to make the amateur theatre community in Abergavenny one of the most vibrant of any town."

Top prize for the evening went to AAODS Juniors for its production of Grease which was described as 'outstanding' by the judges.

Presenting the award, Councillor Sheila Woodhouse, the Mayor of Abergavenny said that she was delighted to have attended so many shows at the theatre in her year of office and had been constantly impressed by the standard of performance.

The delighted Grease director Jaci Brickley-Clark paid tribute to the 'amazing' young cast and said that she and musical director Sarah Fowler had been 'honoured' to work with each and every one.

A4b award winners for 2014

Best Supporting Male Performance (18 and under)

Joe Pugh---Kenickie, Grease

Best Supporting Female Performance (18 and under)

Louise Morgan---Frenchy, Grease

Best Male Performance

Alex Williams--- Danny Zuko, Grease

Best Female Performance (18 and under)

Alys le Moignan---Betty Rizzo, Grease

Best Supporting Male Performance

Stephen Clark---Wishy Washy, Aladdin

Best Supporting Female

Sarah Phillips---Mandy, Out on a Limb

Best Male Performance

Patrick Callaghan---Anatoly Sergievsky, Chess

Best Female Performance

Lucy Phillips---Florence, Chess

The Judges' Award - The cast of Grease

The Bernard Zavishlock award for outstanding contribution to amateur theatre - Alan Breeze

Best Production - Grease