The annual CAT Awards recognises the best in amateur theatre productions, and on Saturday it signaled out the Bathurst company as one to watch.

Judges were impressed by the group’s recent production of the Little Mermaid, which also resulted in an encouragement award nomination for Polly Taylor, 11, who played the role of Ursula.

“The judges were impressed with how many children were involved and with the discipline they showed,” CAT Awards’ Coralie Wood said.

Little Mermaid directors Bronwyn Colley and Kyle Palmer said it was wonderful that the judges recognised the group’s work.

“It’s wonderful for her [Polly] to be recognised because there was so much talent there,” Mrs Colley said.

Mrs Colley was among the theatre group’s members to be at the awards night on Saturday and said it was a wonderful experience.

“It’s wonderful to feel that people recognise that we’re involved,” she said.

Mrs Colley said the junior theatre group has recently has a membership boom, with numbers jumping from 35 to almost 80.

She said the children who are involved can participate in a wide range of opportunities on and off the stage.

“It’s not just those on the stage who shine,” she said.

“It’s all about having fun, building relationships and giving things a go without fear of judgement.”

CAT Award’s Peter Young judged the Little Mermaid and said the group deserved to be recognised.

“The judges were really impressed that this offshoot from the Carillon Junior Theatrical Society was self-funded,” he said.

“This show was their first major production and we were impressed by that.

“They’ve created an opportunity for children to get involved in performing arts that wasn’t there before.”

Mr Young said Polly Taylor impressed the judges with her portrayal of Ursula.

“We really felt she had something and felt it needed to be encouraged,” he said.