THE Wharfedale Music Festival, which finished last weekend received a ringing endorsement from one of its former performers.

Three months ago 18-year-old Emma Williams was performing at the Edinburgh Festival alongside fellow pupils at Bradford's Stage 84. Now she has been thrust into the national limelight by landing a leading role on the West End stage.

The newcomer was announced as a lead character in the stage adaptation of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.

Cast as Truly Scrumptious and has been starring at the London Palladium opposite Michael Ball, who plays Caractacus Potts.

Emma, of Halifax, joined the Bradford performing arts school Stage 84 when she was 12 and has played leading roles from Eliza in My Fair Lady to Anna in The King and I.

In a letter sent to festival organisers Emma says: "I would be more than happy to put my name to the Wharfedale Festival.

"It is honestly one of my favourite festivals and I hope in continues for many years.

"I have performed at various festivals for several years and never have I come across a warmer welcome that at Wharfedale Festival.

"There is a true community spirit amongst all those involved and although it is a competition, there is a wonderful emphasis placed on the sheer joy of performing.

"Long may people be able to feel the same for Wharfedale as I do. I feel it is essential to encourage artists to experience live performance with an audience in order to improve, gain confidence and receive the encouragement and constructive aid they so richly deserve.

"I firmly believe Wharfedale Festival can do nothing but bring happiness."

Festival secretary Elizabeth Holbrook praised all the performers who tool part in the festival and all the other people involved who contributed in making the event run so smoothly.

The final Gala Concert on Saturday, was 'brilliant' according to Miss Holbrook, but she added that she hoped the audience would be larger next year.