TALENTED young actor Ben Fensome, 16, will be joining the prestigious National Youth Theatre on Monday, after beating off competition from thousands of hopefuls across the country.

The dramatic arts have been a passion for Ben, of Lords Mead, Chippenham, and he joined Corsham Youth Theatre when he was just 11.

Now Ben, who has just left Sheldon School, has taken a major step in his acting career winning a coveted place at the summer school.

"He is very excited about it," his mother, Helen Fensome, said.

"It gives him a real opportunity. He did very well to get in. Afterwards he will be able to audition for any National Youth Theatre production."

Ben will spend two weeks living in north London, staying in university accommodation and joining the National Youth Theatre for classes.

He auditioned in March at the Arnolfini in Bristol, performing two speeches for the National Youth Theatre assessors.

One was a comedy speech by Malvolio from Shakespeare's Twelfth Night, and the second was a modern piece with a darker tone.

Mark Bishop, who runs Corsham Youth Theatre with Julie Black, both members of Big State Theatre, said he was delighted Ben had succeeded.

"Thousands of people audition from all over the country," he said.

"It's fantastic for Ben. He's been with Corsham Youth Theatre for about five years now and he used to come to the Sheldon Manor Youth Theatre.

"He has always had a special comedy talent which is really natural."

In September, Ben will start a two-year HND course in the Performing Arts at Bath College.

Ben's two-week residency will cost £600 and he is keen to hear from local businesses or individuals who could sponsor him, through the Pound Arts Centre.

Corsham Youth Theatre is based at the Pound Arts Centre. Mr Bishop and Ms Black run classes there.

The seven to nine-year-olds have a session from 10am till 11am, followed by the nine to 12-year-olds from 11am to 12.30pm, 12 to 14-year-olds 1pm to 2.30pm, and the 14 to 16-year-olds from 2.30pm to 4pm.

Corsham Youth Theatre has places for new recruits after the summer holidays.

Contact the Pound Arts Centre on (01249) 701628.