AN aspiring actor from Burnley will follow in the footsteps of Daniel Craig and Orlando Bloom after winning a coveted place with the National Youth Theatre.

Jack Herbert, 15, has been chosen as one of 430, out of 5,500 youngsters, set to study at the prestigious theatre school in London.

But the Unity College pupil’s dream of treading the same boards as some of the country’s top actors is hanging in the balance because his family cannot afford the fees.

The teenager is issuing an appeal for local people, or businesses, to sponsor him by providing some, or all, of the £700 he still needs.

He said: “Unfortunately, I’m not from the best-off of families. My stepdad is a student and a gardener, and my mum was recently made redundant.

“It costs £1,100 altogether for the fees. My school has paid for my course, but I need to raise the £700 which is outstanding.

“I just want to see if any-one could help fund it really because it’s a really prestigious place and loads of big British stars have studied there.”

Jack, who lives in the Queensgate area with his mum Lucy, stepdad Paul, and sister Emily, nine, is a member of Burnley Youth Theatre.

The multi-talented youngster specialises in musical theatre and has performed alongside Bacup opera singer Sean Ruane.

He was offered a place with the NYT after he impressed during an audition in November.

“My dream is to work in the West End and be known all over England,” he said.

“It would be really nice for people to say ‘you know what, he’s a right good actor’.”

Jack recently had an audition for a part in BBC One drama Waterloo Road and is waiting to hear back.

Anyone who wants to sponsor the teenager should contact Burnley Youth Theatre on 01282 427767, or email info@burnleyyouth theatre.org