A WEYMOUTH youth group is making a song and dance about its latest award.

WOW Youth Musical Theatre, and specifically its director and choreographer Martine Burt, has been recognised by a respected association for work she did on the group’s compilation show last November.

Martine was given an award for outstanding choreography by the National Operatic and Dramatic Association (NODA) South West.

The compilation show, which featured a wide range of songs and dance styles with extracts from Chicago, Matilda, Oklahoma, and Cabaret and many more, was also nominated for best youth production but a group from Devon won the prize.

WOW has won praise from NODA in the past and the choreography award is more recognition for the group, which has been performing first class musical theatre for more than 30 years.

Some past members have gone on to have successful careers in show business.

Martine herself is a former member and it was watching WOW’s version of Grease as a 12-year-old in 1990 that prompted her to audition.

She will be directing a new WOW version of the rock ‘n’ roll teen musical at Weymouth Pavilion next month.

Martine, a graduate of the Royal Academy of Music, has worked for 13 years as an actress and singer, appearing on television and in national tours.

For the last few years her focus has been on directing.

She said: “I’m absolutely thrilled to get this award from NODA.

“All 54 members were involved in the compilation show which was a lot to choreograph for.

“They are such a hardworking group and the final outcome was fantastic – the dances were really tight.

“Without them working so hard and putting everything into it wouldn’t have looked like it did.

“The award is down to them.”

WOW chairman Alan McKechan collected the certificate and trophy award on Martine’s behalf at a ceremony in St Mellion, Cornwall.

Mr McKechan said: “The fact we were nominated in two categories is a great honour.

“The South West region of NODA covers a vast area and there are almost 300 societies affiliated in the region.

“To win an award is outstanding and I was delighted to collect it on Martine’s behalf.”

Grease will be performed by WOW at the Pavilion from April 9 to April 12.