Talented young actors from St Albans were celebrating last week after their theatre group won the top prize at a youth drama festival.

Company of Teens the came first in the senior category at the Welwyn Garden City Youth Drama Festival with its performance of The Wardrobe by Sam Holcroft.

Inspired by C S Lewis’ classic tale of magic and mystery – The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe – the play consisted of nine short scenes depicting moments in the history of a large wardrobe.

The action begins in 1485 at the court of Elizabeth of York and concludes in 2014.

A cast of 21 was directed by three adult members of the St Albans theatre group Company of Ten, including Philip Reardon, who says: “Our talented group of young people was 100 per cent committed. Many were involved with exams and other school obligations while rehearsals were taking place.

“We are very proud of each and every one of them, and gaining first place in the festival is very well deserved.“

As well as being presented with the Youth Committee Cup, Company of Teens has been invited to perform the play again on the opening night of the adult Welwyn Drama Festival on Monday May, 18.