A PERFORMING arts school is “overjoyed” to have been shortlisted for a prestigious award.

Frederick Douglas Performing Arts Academy of Halstead, has been shortlisted for the Family Business of the Year Awards.

The family business was set up in 2016 by mother and daughter Deborah Marks and Leanne Field (pictured), and offers classes for children between the ages of five and 16 on Sunday mornings.

Children also visit local care homes during the week to entertain residents.

Deborah said: “We are overjoyed to have been shortlisted as finalists in the family business awards.

“We love what we do and for the business to be recognised for the core values that we work by means so much to us.”

A glitzy awards ceremony will take place at the Mayfair Hotel in London on June 6.