TALENTED youngsters from a North-East drama school are celebrating after winning roles in productions of two popular musicals.

Conall Dean and Sam Hughes are members of Applause Theatre School, which meets every week during term-time in Hurworth, near Darlington.

The ten-year-olds have successfully auditioned for the lead roles in productions of Pinocchio and Oliver.

Conall, from Darlington, will play the lead role in Pinocchio, at Middlesbrough Little Theatre.

Sam, from Hurworth, will appear as Oliver Twist at Shildon Civic Hall.

Both productions will be staged in April.

Conall’s seven-year-old brother, Fergal, will also appear in both productions.

Drama teacher Sam Bradshaw praised the youngsters for being selected during the competitive audition process.

She said: “They are both very talented young lads and have both got absolutely lovely parents.”