YOUNGSTERS raised their voices in the latest section of Cheltenham Festival of Performing Arts.

Speech and drama fans packed into the town hall yesterday to perform their monologues and duologues.

Louis Cane, 14, from Bournside School, was proud of his monologue, from Rebel on the Rock by Nina Bawden.

It was the second time he had performed at the festival.

On Sunday, 88-year-old Mary Leman proved the event is not just for the youngsters when she won the prepared reading of the Bible section.

Chairman Chris Lammiman said: "She is a remarkable woman and has been a steward with us for many years."

Thousands will take part in the 12-day event which began last week and showcases the talents of Gloucestershire's residents and beyond.

Also on Sunday, young ballet stars proved they had what it takes to get to the heart of the dance.

Patricia Mace, who now lives in California, visits the festival in the town hall every year and loves the ballet so much she now sponsors an exclusive award to honour her favourite part – the Pas D'Deux.

In memory of her late husband Raymond Wood, Patricia, who grew up in Evesham, awarded the bronze sculpture she created herself to the winners of the Pas D'Deux class.

They were 16-year-old Liam Swattridge and Perri Le Riche, 12.

The dance is considered the "heart" of the ballet.

Partricia said: "I danced in the festival in the 1950s and I have been coming back every year for nearly ten years.

"This year we had five entrants in the Pas D'Deux and they were all absolutely delightful. It is just going to get bigger and bigger, the problem is getting hold of the boys to do it."