A PEEBLESSHIRE children's youth theatre group have celebrated their first anniversary with a showcase performance.

Established in April 2016, the Kids Innerleithen Youth Theatre (KIYT) took to the stage at 6.30pm on Saturday, May 6 in the Innerleithen Church of Scotland.

The group performed to over 180 people with an array of 14 songs, ranging from 'Pure Imagination' from the film adaption of Roald Dahl's 'Charlie and the Chocolate Factory' to 'We know the way' from Disney movie, 'Moana'.

Dougie Russell from the Kids Innerleithen Youth Theatre told the Peeblesshire News: "These kids have rehearsed once a week in the Innerleithen Library Hall since we launched last April, with a few weeks off here and there for holidays.

"Even on the day of their showcase, they rehearsed from 3pm right through until the start of the performance at 6 30pm. I commend their dedication and desire to get it right, they put on a fantastic show and should be very proud of themselves.

"The evening was filled with great excitement and energy which flowed from all the children throughout the showcase and also the packed audience.
"The four solo singers on the evening, Grace, Ava, Thomas and Lizzie, plus a duet from Stella and Eve all excelled and showed there is plenty of talent for the future in the Innerleithen opera and even beyond. There wasn't a dry eye in the house for each and everyone of them. 

Dougie added: "One of the nicest things on the night in fact, was seeing the parents of all the children bursting with pride while their children done us all proud. 

"Being part of the youth section is an absolute privilege to be part of for all of us as youth group leaders and being part of that kind of emotion makes us burst with pride as well.

"Going forward, the future looks bright for the group."

The Kids Innerleithen Youth Theatre is a youth section of the Innerleithen and District Amateur Operatic Society (IDAOS).

For more details on future events by the KIYT and IDAOS, visit: www.idaos.org.uk or www.facebook.com/inneropera.