Heartfelt tributes have been paid to Tameside Youth Drama Group founder Jean Nash. 

Jean, who was 84, started the group back in 1986 with her husband Dennis, primarily to provide young people with a place to go and something to do.

Over the decades, Tameside Youth Drama has grown and grown and now meets weekly at Ashley Sports College on Yew Tree Lane in Dukinfield, although its first home was at Ryecroft Hall in Audenshaw. 

Tameside Youth Drama Group director Rachel Bunting said: "Jean was involved in more than 50 productions at the group over the years and loved going to the theatre herself. 

"She always worked really hard with no fuss behind the scenes, organising the programme, finances and ticket sales along with a million other things she did. 

"Jean was always a driving force behind the group, ensuring the stability of the group for years to come. She was always a very strong, determined lady who was loved by her family and so many at the group. 

"She has played a huge part in so many young children's lives who have come and gone from the group over the years. 

"She has been a wonderful, positive influence in many young people's lives too, encouraging and supporting them. There are too many young people to count that have come and gone from the group over the years."

Rachel added: "Jean will be missed by so many, her family and her drama family will never forget how hard she worked, her straight talking honesty and her kind heart." 

Jean, who was a dancer in her younger years and lived in Audenshaw most of her life, sadly passed away suddenly after a short illness, peacefully on Thursday 3 February. 

A celebration of her life will be held at Dukinfield Crematorium on Monday (21 February) at 3pm and, following the service, at the New Stalybridge Labour Club. 

Rather than flowers, Jean would have kindly preferred donations to any of the following charities: Pancreatic Cancer, Willow Wood Hospice and Macmillan. 

Today, Tameside Youth Drama Group meets weekly at Astley Sports College and stages two shows annually at Hyde Festival Theatre, a pantomime in January and a musical in July. 

It has been very successful for the last 36 years and many of the past members have taken up careers in the theatre as teachers, dancers, actors, stage crew and costume designers. 

The group is now run by many past members themselves, volunteering to make sure the group continues to thrive in the future just as Jean would have wanted. 

Read more from the Tameside Reporter

Click here for more of the latest news

Click here to read the latest edition of the paper online

Click here to find out where you can pick up a copy of the paper