DRAMA students from New College in Swindon went down a storm at an arts festival.

They performed their production of Educating Rita at the Isle of Wight Easter Festival and received the biggest audience of the week.

And to top things off the show's star Chris Hall scooped the Best Under 21 Award for his performance.

Chris, 20, who lives in Stratton and is studying for a two year BTEC Performing Arts Course, said: "Going to the Isle of Wight Festival was the most amazing experience.

"The Gaiety Theatre seats 900 and was packed on the night but we overcame the nerves and put in a great performance.

"To come away with this award against such strong competition was a major bonus."

Kimberly Lauf from Marlborough was nominated for the Best Actress Award.

She starred as Rita in the play and came up with the idea of adapting Willy Russell's script.

Kimberly said: "We rehearsed thoroughly from the start of January and it's been tremendously hard work. But Rita was a great part to play for one of my major roles and it was wonderful to go out on such a high at the Isle of Man.

"One audience member even told me I was better than Julie Walters, who played Rita in the film.

"That was incredibly flattering because she is one of my idols."