An amateur actress has been nominated for a prestigious industry award.

Becky Hardman, who lives in Hensingham, Whitehaven, and teaches at Seaton Academy, has been shortlisted in the Best Supporting Actress in a Drama category in the National Operatic and Drama Association (NODA) awards.

She was singled out by NODA judges for her performance as the loveable but bewildered verger Alice Tinker in The Vicar of Dibley, performed by Whitehaven and District Amateur Operatics Society (WADAOS) last year.

"I'm surprised but excited to be nominated," said Becky, 27. "I've been watching The Vicar of Dibley since I was a kid so I was touched when they asked me to play Alice. She's such a fun character to play."

On Becky's performance, The Whitehaven News' reviewer wrote: "Key to the show's success is the touching double-act the vicar forms with verger Alice (portrayed expertly by Beccy Hardman), described in the opener as both a "famous imbecile" and an "undiscovered genius". Hardman finds the balance wonderfully well."

Becky says her role as Alice has been one of many on-stage highlights during her time with WADAOS.

"I also played hairdresser Paulette in Legally Blonde last year; she was another slightly dippy character so maybe I'm being typecast a bit!"

Becky is currently in final rehearsals for Oliver!, being performed at Whitehaven Civic Hall from March 14 to 18, where she will play Nancy. It will see Becky going full circle, having starred in Oliver! on her first foray into local theatre at the age of 11.

Becky will find out if she has been successful at the North West NODA Awards held in Manchester on April 30.