SALTASH'S 22nd annual music, speech and drama festival was opened on Monday by town mayor cllr Colin Oakes, accompanied by the mayoress, Marilyn Oakes.

The popular event, which runs for two weeks and attracts hundreds of entries, is sponsored by the town council.

Festival chairman Phil Taylor welcomed the speech and drama adjudicator Edwina Lloyd for the festival's first categories.

Held at Saltash Wesley Church, the festival runs until Saturday, February 4, ending with the festival concert.

On the first evening, two young people in the age 12-14 class were joint winners of the Mayor's Drama Award.

Adjudicator Edwina Lloyd chose Lowenna Rule and Alex Robins from the 30 entrants, for their convincing performances. The mayor and mayoress presented the awards.