THERE was a hat trick of wins for a Northwich woman at the National Operatic and Drama Association awards in Crewe.

Joanna Milborne-Chatt, 38, head of drama at St Nicholas High School, has won many accolades over the years but recently at the NODA ceremony she was able to celebrate a very special night.

She won best artistic direction and was part of the best musical for Guys n Dolls, a production by the Centenary Theatre Company.

Her own theatre company Salt n Pepper, that she formed with her friend Sam Walton, won the award for outstanding contribution to amateur theatre and charity.

Joanna’s mum, Sue Chatt, is extremely proud of all her achievements in drama.

She said: “I don’t know if anyone has won a hat trick of awards at one of these events before, we’re so proud of her.”

Joanna’s theatre company donates primarily to the Headway charity, a charity for people who suffer brain injuries, and it is a charity very close to Joanna’s heart.

Joanna was delighted and surprised with her latest achievements.

She said: “It was very unexpected especially the Salt n Pepper award, I had no idea it was happening, it’s the first time they’ve presented that award, it was quite emotional.”

Acting is Joanna’s passion now but this was not always the case as she described how she did not enjoy it when she first started.

She said: “My mum has been working in drama for years and she made me go to the junior sessions and the first few times I hated it, but I eventually grew in confidence and I got a role in ‘The Sound of Music’ when I was nine.”

Sue has been a mentor figure to Joanna and still managed to perform when she was expecting Joanna to be born.

Joanna said: “She did a show singing and dancing when she was pregnant with me so I think acting is in the blood.”