LOCAL amateur operatic star David Kay was awarded best male character actor trophy for his portrayal of King Gama in the operetta Princess Ida at the recent Buxton International Gilbert and Sullivan Festival.

The G & S Festival is held annually at Buxton Opera House over three weeks in July and August and is an international event with amateur societies from England, Scotland and America competing.

David is the Chairman of The Three Towns Operatic Society and was invited to play the part by the Sale Gilbert and Sullivan society.

He was a founder member of the society and first trod the boards as a 13-year old at Manchester Road Boy's School playing the Duke of Bedford in Shakespeare's Henry V.

This was followed by lead parts in HMS Pinafore and The Pirates of Penzance. These appearances started his passion for music, particularly that of Sir Arthur Sullivan.