Children who take part in a vibrant theatre club were “really excited” when they performed in front of the Mayor of Hertsmere.

Herts Inclusive Theatre, which meets at The Ark Theatre, in Borehamwood, is open to anyone living in Hertfordshire, including Potters Bar and Radlett.

The club, which is open to anyone aged five to 19, performed snippets of Matilda - its last production - to Mayor of Hertsmere Councillor Carey Keates.

Cllr Keates visited the group to celebrate its second anniversary.

Development manager Carly Young said: ''The children were really excited to have the Mayor join us for our anniversary and couldn't wait to show him snippets from our last production of Matilda.

''The Ark is a brilliant venue for local children to experience all the magic of a real-life theatre, and we are especially proud of our work within the Borehamwood community.''

The theatre group has been running for 13 years and is now one of the county’s leading inclusive theatre companies.

It has more than 800 members and children are not required to audition to take part in the club.

This year, the club is looking forward to a range of events including a children’s superhero fun day on April 14 and a Become a Butterfly workshop in Aldenham Country Park on April 16.

It is also preparing for their youth theatre production of Alice in Wonderland on Saturday, May 16 at the Ark Theatre and a summer-week long drama workshop of the Jungle Book from August 4 to August 7.

People who want to join are invited to two free taster sessions. For more information, e-mail admin@hit-theatre.org.uk

Sessions take palce every Wednesday from 4.45pm to 6pm and cost £5.