A NURSE from Frimley Park Hospital who helped raise £40,000 for charity by staging a full-length musical theatre production has been honoured for his efforts.

Paul Tickner, from Fleet, wrote, directed and produced the show, Stand by Your Beds, which took Aldershot’s Princes Hall by storm earlier this year.

The show follows the tale of staff from a hospital facing the mounting bureaucracy of the NHS.

With the help of donations and volunteers, Mr Tickner was able to offer all of the proceeds from the show to the Phyllis Tuckwell Hospice in Farnham.

The cast performed an eclectic mix of rock ‘n’ roll, gospel and barbershop-style music. Fifteen original tunes were written by Mr Tickner, who is a music director for the Farnborough Operatic Society.

Stand By Your Beds was a roaring success when it premiered at the Princes Way venue in January, with sell-out crowds and standing ovations on every night.

Last week, Mr Tickner was presented with the Deveureux Cup.

For 14 years, Councillor Pat Devereux, the Conservative county councillor for Farnborough South, has given the prize to people who have contributed to the arts scene in Rushmoor.

She said Mr Tickner’s efforts had been among the most impressive she had seen.

"Paul is one of the best, there’s no question about it," she said.

"To write, produce, direct and organise the staging of a full-scale musical is a tremendous achievement. To do so in one’s spare time, and raise £40,000 for charity is nothing short of miraculous."

The cup was named after Cllr Devereux because she bought it when she was mayor of Rushmoor in 1995.

Mr Tickner, who was joined at the presentation by a number of cast members, was happy to receive the award.

He said: "The project was a labour of love, and took many months of hard work, but it certainly all came good in the end.

"I am very proud of the cast, and everyone who was involved in the show. This award acknowledges the contribution of every one of them."