A talented 12 year old from Wemyss Bay has won a top award at the performing arts academy she attends in her spare time.

Tutors at the Glasgow-based UK Theatre School named Sarah Watt as the recipient of the school’s annual Junior School Musical Theatre Academy Student of the Year for her “first-class” effort and enthusiasm over the past 12 months.

Sarah lives in Wemyss Bay with parents Jackie and David and is about to start first year at St Columba’s in Gourock. She received her plaque and certificate at the UKTS’s annual prize-giving ceremony which also recognised their Student of the Year in other age groups.

Sarah has been a student at the UKTS since 2016, said: “This was a complete surprise and a great honour. The tutors really help me to develop my performing arts skills and the classes are always great fun.”

UKTS principal Lizanne Lambie Thomson described Sarah as an “enthusiastic young talent” and added: “Our team has always believed Sarah possesses an amazingly focused commitment to her performing arts skills and works very hard on any project in which she’s involved. Her enthusiasm knows no limits and she is a deserving winner of the award.

“Our school focuses on helping develop the young students who show an interest in the performing arts. Our team of experienced tutors help students like Sarah to focus on how best to fulfil their ambitions of becoming immersed in the performing arts world.

“We’re sure that Sarah will have an amazing future and we’ll be keeping a close watch on her progress. The judging panel’s decision to give Sarah this award was unanimous.”

The UKTS which is based in Glasgow’s West Regent Street and has around 700 students on its roll offers performing arts courses for students aged between four and 19. The school has charity status, which allows it to also offer support for any underprivileged youngsters who show potential talent.