An amateur actor from Whitehaven has scooped a National Operatic Drama Association trophy for best male comedy actor.

Shaun Donald, chairman of Whitehaven Theatre Group, picked up the award at a two-day ceremony in Manchester for his performance of Muddles in Sleeping Beauty.

Mark Goodwin, from the group, was also up for best supporting male as Hubert Bonney in It Runs In The Family and Shaun’s son Bobby, eight, was nominated for a youth section award.

Shaun said: “Honestly, from day one I never thought in a million years I’d win the award itself, especially when I saw the other nominees.

“The others had been in big comedy roles and in dramas, I didn’t think I’d get an award for panto. I was in absolute shock. I’d prepared to not get it.

“I think Bobby was more shocked than me, he burst into tears.”

Shaun was put forward for the nomination by NODA North West representative Ed McGee, who overseas the North West district.

His son Bobby received his nomination for his role of Michael in Peter Pan for Whitehaven Theatre of Youth. He is no stranger to acting, having starred for two series in the CBeebies TV programme Biggleton.

Acting seems to be in the blood for the Donald family. Shaun said: “Me and the wife do it – that’s how we met – and our two eldest are also involved in acting. We all get involved as a family.”

Shaun’s next step will be to audition for the comedy Stags and Hens, which is due to be performed at Rosehill Theatre in September.

He is also directing this year’s pantomime, Frosted, at Egremont Market Hall at Christmas.