CHESTER'S Storyhouse cultural hub is in contention for two top accolades at this year's UK Theatre Awards.

Its production of The Secret Seven has been nominated for Best Family and Children’s show and A Little Night Music for best design, by Jess Curtis.

The UK Theatre Award’s recognise achievements in theatre across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Alex Clifton, Storyhouse’s artistic director, who directed both productions, said: “We are thrilled to have been nominated for these two awards and to get the recognition amongst some of the country’s most exciting theatres and producers.

The Secret Seven was our first ever Christmas show and will always be very special to us, and Sondheim’s A Little Night Music is the greatest musical ever written – it was wonderful to make it in Chester.

"The other nominees are truly brilliant competition, it’s going to be very exciting on the night!"

There are 15 awards in total that commend endeavours both on and off stage, with the winners announced at a lunchtime ceremony at London's Guildhall on October 14.

The Secret Seven will be up against The Little Mermaid, directed by Emma Earle and Cameron Carver, co-produced by The Egg – Theatre Royal Bath and Pins and Needles, and The Three Musketeers, directed by Sarah Punshon and produced by The Dukes.

Jess Curtis will be up against 59 Productions for The Shadow Factory, a Nuffield Southampton Theatres production and Morgan Large for Wonderland, a Nottingham Playhouse Theatre Company production.