A LONG-serving member of a Halesowen theatrical company has been presented with an award marking almost 30 years work on and off the stage.

Former rock musician Mike Clifford joined Startime Variety in 1986 following his retirement from the music scene and gigs abroad.

After treading the boards in the company’s annual pantomimes, he stepped into the breach to produce a show and has been staging pantos and summer productions for the last 20 years.

The 72-year-old, who has written and is producing the company’s forthcoming Robin Hood and Babes in the Wood panto, has been presented with the annual Sheila Darby Award in recognition of his outstanding contribution behind the scenes.

Mr Clifford said he was “honoured” to receive the trophy and after suffering from cancer last year felt “luck to be here” and looking forward to the show which runs from January 28 to 31 at the Cornbow Hall.

He added: “We have a really good cast and try to make it as funny as we can and involve the children as well as making it okay for the adults.”