ACTOR Simon Rowe took a trip down Memory Lane when he visited a Worcester amateur theatre group and talked to its young members about his journey to a leading role in a hit musical.

Former Worcester Operatic and Dramatic Society Youth Section (WODYS) member Simon, who uses the stage name Simon Willmont, went back to his am-dram roots while he was in the county performing in Bill Kenwright's touring production of Blood Brothers.

The 29-year-old, who grew up in St John's, Worcester, visited WODYS members in rehearsal for their summer show, Back To The 80s, on stage at the Swan theatre from Tuesday, July 29, to Saturday, August 2.

Simon, who studied at Worcester College of Technology and the Liverpool Institute of Performing Arts, was playing in Blood Brothers at Malvern Theatres when he took time out to visit WODYS at St Mary's Hall, in the Arboretum.

He told the youngsters it was good to be back at the place where he had made a lot of friends, had a lot of fun and learned much about stagecraft.

In Blood Brothers Simon plays Eddie, one of twins separated at birth.

Russell-Leighton Dixon, who plays his father, accompanied him and they talked about their theatrical careers, warning youngsters that acting was not an easy career to follow but that performing gave them a great buzz''.

David Humphries, WODYS' chairman and director, said: "I am very thankful they took time out to come and visit us and talk to us about their theatrical experiences.

"We like to think WODYS played a small part in Simon's success and we wish them both success with the rest of the Blood Brothers tour."