A BUDDING young actor has won a place in a prestigious theatre company at his first attempt.

Jack Baker, 15, a Year 10 pupil at Kingdown Community School, Warminster, is to join the National Youth Theatre.

The talented pupil gained his place after an audition in Bristol and will now attend a two-week course in London during the summer holidays.

Some 3,000 young actors aged between 15 and 21 tried out for the company 400 got through.

Jack will work with other young actors to produce a piece, which will be performed at the company. He will also go on theatre trips and receive coaching from professional actors.

David Thomas, head of creative arts at Kingdown, said: "We were absolutely delighted when Jack told us.

"For Jack this is great, it was his first attempt at joining the National Youth Theatre. He was one of the gang in the school's production of West Side Story last October.

"He has got a real freshness about him and I think that was what impressed the judges. Jack has always been involved in school productions and has grown in confidence over the years."

It is 10 years since a Kingdown pupil achieved the accolade. The previous recipient, Matthew Reynolds, is now a professional actor.