A stalwart of Worcestershire's amateur theatrical scene has been made a life member of the National Operatic and Dramatic Association (NODA) in recognition of her 30 years' service to the organisation.

Gladys Blackler, of Droitwich Road, Worcester, is the NODA merit award administrator for the Midlands and has been the organisation's regional representative.

"It is quite an honour. Very few of these awards are made. I am delighted," said the 83-year-old, who was presented with her medal by the national president at a meeting in Buxton, Derbyshire.

Mrs Blackler and husband Stan, 88, have been members of Worcester Operatic and Dramatic Society (WODS) since 1969.

They have been involved with every show since then, either performing or backstage, and both have been presidents of the society - Mr Blackler in its centenary year 1991-92 and his wife in 1993-94.

The couple celebrated their diamond wedding in 2002, when they also received gold bars from WODS for 50 years' service to musical theatre.

Mrs Blackler said: "I have enjoyed my work with amateur theatre. I have made such a lot of friends and acquaintances."

Raised in Bristol, where she sang in school and church choirs, her enthusiasm encouraged her husband to take up singing and he discovered he was a natural bass. The couple made their stage debut together with Bristol Amateur Operatic Society in 1952.

They are currently helping at rehearsals for the WODS production of Oliver!, which opens at Worcester's Swan Theatre on Tuesday, October 30, and runs until Saturday, November 3. Their main task now is making tea for the backstage crew.