COURAGEOUS youngsters who have demonstrated bravery and overcome difficulties are being sought by a theatre group.

The Stagecoach Theatre Arts Awards are being held next month and organisers want members of the public to vote for children they think deserve recognition.

Stars from West End show Shrek the Musical will appear at an awards ceremony at the Theatre Royal, in Drury Lane, London, on November 28.

Colchester Stagecoach holds acting, singing and dancing sessions three times a week at Colchester Sixth Form College, in Greenstead.

Caroline Clarke, Colchester Stagecoach principal, is hoping people will nominate a child they know who has faced adversity, demonstrated bravery, shown courage or cared for others.

She said: “Young people have displayed enormous courage and endurance, have suffered bereavement, family break-up, accidents and illness and have faced circumstances where they have been required to become carers themselves.

“If anyone can think of someone special they think is a young hero who deserves recognition and would be a good role model for other young people, then please make a nomination.”

Nominations will be accepted for any child aged four to 18, regardless of whether or not they attend a Stagecoach School.

Categories include awards for bravery, being a good role model, demonstrating community spirit and leadership and an award for outstanding achievement through adversity.

To find out more or nominate a child, visit stagecoachawards.co.uk