A THEATRE group which helps children grow with song and dance is our first nomination for Youth Group of the Year.

Seaford Musical Juniors welcome members from aged 5 to aged 18 and routinely put on stage shows which capture the imagination of the town.

The group aims to encourage personal development and help youngsters grow their confidence, their creativity and fosters young talent.

Since their formation in 2011 by Seaford Musical Theatre members Paula Woolven and Shar Turnbull the group has been nominated for a cavalcade of awards already.

They won the Inspiring Project Award from the British Youth Council along with the Young Mayor's Award for community groups in Seaford.

The group was also finalists in the 'What's On For Me?' awards and national finalists in the Epic Awards for Voluntary Arts Groups, reaching the final six for England from more than 60,000 groups across the country.

Just some of the shows the group has put on include Grease, Aladdin and Disney’s The Little Mermaid as well as regular showcase performances.

The Youth Group of the Year award for The Argus Community Stars Awards aims to honour the choirs, sports teams and clubs which allow our children’s talents to develop.

Last year’s winner was The Boathouse Theatre company which was set up by Kim and Kerry Barry for their daughter Olivia, who has Down’s Syndrome.

The club blossomed and now hosts three drama, arts and music clubs each week for children and young adults in supported learning.

They were driven by Olivia’s passion for the performing arts and have seen the group go from strength to strength.

Also nominated was Pedal Power, a cycling group set up by Shaun Reed from Eastbourne.

The weekly group encourages youngsters to take to two wheels and welcomes children of all ages to try their hand at the sport.

Brighton Table Tennis Club was the final nominee after it grew from a club with two broken tables to an organisation overseeing 40 tables across the city from its home at the Brighton Youth Centre.