RISING star Ben Huggins, 16 has won a place on a National Youth Theatre training course.

Ben, from Woodhall Park, who attends Hreod Parkway School in Moredon, received confirmation after attending an audition in Bristol in March.

The two-week residential course will take Ben to London, where he will learn some of the basic acting skills as well as visiting a number of shows.

Ben, who is also an avid Swindon Town Football Club supporter and season ticket holder said: "I'm really pleased I got into the National Youth Theatre, I don't know a huge amount about the course yet, but I am really looking forward to it."

He first took an interest in acting following a series of drama lessons in Year eight at school.

He then took part in a number of school shows, and his interest soon blossomed.

Parents Caroline and Martin were thrilled with the news, and Ben is hoping that acting will be become the career for him.

He said: "I'd like to one day go on into television and film, possibly horror films or even comedy.

"I would really like to work with Mel Gibson or Michael Caine, they are fantastic actors."