A YOUNG Halesowen actor has won two awards for her performance in Beauty and the Beast.

Ellie-Marie Hares has been recognised for her role as Hickory Dickory in Startime Variety’s re-telling of the 18th century fairy tale.

The Halesowen theatre group performed the show for four nights at Cornbow Hall in January, with Ellie winning acclaim from audience members and fellow actors alike.

Ellie won the prestigious Tony Vincent award – in honour of the man who had been a member of the group for more than 20 years, before his death aged 59 in 2000 – which is given to the actor the audience votes as having given the best performance.

She also won the Mike Clifford award, named after another former member of the group.

A spokesman for Startime Variety said: “Mike had been a member of Startime for a long time and had written and produced many pantomimes and summer shows but unfortunately passed away in July 2017.

“The award is voted for by the members who they think is the most dedicated and hardworking.

“That person is Ellie-Marie.”