A WANNABE West End star is getting ready to tread the boards in London after scooping a scholarship deal worth £25,000.

Andrew Tillotson, 23, who spent his early years in amateur dramatics performing with Bacup Amateurs, is packing his bags for the prestigious Artz Ed College.

The dance and drama school has turned out many stars including Catherine Zeta Jones, Will Young and Colin Farrell.

Andrew, who was brought up in Ambleside Avenue, Rawtenstall, with his mum, Helen, and sister Gemma, 15, wants to hit the limelight by appearing on stage.

Andrew, who moved to Skipton after leaving Alder Grange High School, said: "My ambition is to make it to the West End. That's my plan at the moment.

"But as I get more experience I may want to venture into TV work.

"Every time I think of the fact that I was among thousands of other young hopefuls, I get a huge grin on my face because it's an opportunity of a lifetime.

"I am glad that I have done this now and not when I was 18 because at least I have a bit of life experience. I won't take this opportunity for granted, which is what I may have done if I was younger."

Andrew sang songs from Broadway hit Anything Goes, acted out a part from Billy Liar and took part in a dance workshop to win his scholarship.

Andrew, a mortgage advisor for Skipton Building Society, is selling his home and his car to make the move next month.

His mum said: "All the family are so proud of Andrew. His grandad, Harry Rishworth, who recently passed away, used to sing in the pubs throughout Rossendale.

"It's just a shame that his grandad isn't here with us to celebrate the good news.

"Gemma, who goes to Haslingden High School, wants to become a model. So the next step for us is to write to some modelling agencies. She is really proud of Andrew and hopes he achieves his dream of appearing in the West End."