CARLEY Stenson brought the showbiz sparkle to a magical night of moving stories and she could not disguise her thrill of being recognised in the town she calls home.

The West End star, who is appearing as Princess Fiona in Shrek after being the leading lady in Legally Blonde, learned her craft back in St Helens.

There are those at the Star who still remember her as a bright young hopeful two decades ago excelling in talent competitions run by this newspaper.

It gives them great pleasure to see how the Billinger’s star has soared since finishing a successful spell at the soap Hollyoaks, where she was a much-loved cast member.

Carley was thrilled to receive the award for Performing Arts and, typically modest, said that her achievements were insignificant when compared with the bravery of other people sitting in the room.

She said: “I’m a little bit overwhelmed really and it has been very humbling after hearing so many inspiring stories.

“All I do is jump around and kick my legs about a bit. I still put my successes down to luck and being in the right place at the right time.

“I love St Helens so this means so much to me. I really need to phone my mum to tell her the news.”

Ian Pitts, the owner of award sponsors The Imperial, was delighted with Carley’s triumph: “I’m really made up.

“Carley is a local girl who is now a big West End star. She is a real example what you can achieve. I’m so proud that The Imperial is associated with her on a night like this.”

Also highly commended were Johnny Vegas and the UC Crew.