LONG serving members of Huddersfield Amateur Operatic Society have been honoured.

Eight members of the society were given long service awards at the group's annual meeting recently.

New president Derick Custance - who was elected at the meeting - received an award for 25 years' service from Jean Taylor, Huddersfield representative of the National Operatic and Dramatic Association.

Mr Custance then presented the remaining seven awards for long service to amateur theatre.

The recipients were Heather Clarke and Angela Langdon, both for 10 years' service; Raymond Barry, for 20 years; Raymond Walmsley, for 30 years; Pat Graham, for 35 years; Joanne Sheard, for 50 years; and Joy Hill, for 55 years.

Gordon Bamforth, who retired as the society's musical director after 16 years, also received an award for his dedication to the society.

As well as the president, other officers of the society were elected at the AGM.

Molly Gee, Sheila Johnson, Jean Taylor and Roger Broadbent were elected as vice presidents.

Geoffrey Bottomley was made general manager and David Holmes became treasurer.

Denis Brook was named as secretary and Anne Lawron as publicity manager.

Members discussed their next production, Die Fledermaus, at the Lawrence Batley Theatre, November 1-6.