AN IT worker from Kidderminster is giving up his job of seven years to pursue his dream of becoming a professional actor.

Jamie Thompson says words cannot express how excited he is to have gained a Dance and Drama award at the Academy of Live and Recorded Arts in London (ALRA), which he hopes will lead to a movie career.

The Kidderminster 28-year-old is one of two members of the Rose Theatre's resident acting group, The Nonentities, to have been awarded a place on the prestigious 12-month course, which starts in September, and says it will be "the start of a lifelong ambition".

He is now hoping to secure sponsorship from local companies to help fund his study.

"It's such a fantastic opportunity for me and I'm trying to grab it with both hands and really go with it," he told the Shuttle/Times & News, adding that although his "new life" would be expensive, he would not let money stop him achieving his goals.

He added: "My bank does career development loans but not for arts, so I'm trying to see if local businesses would be prepared to help me out in that respect."

The former Harry Cheshire High School pupil started acting in school productions and performed in student films when studying journalism at Southampton Institute.

He joined The Nonentities five years ago and says the highlight of his involvement was playing the same part as his idol Kevin Spacey in the group's stage version of Glengarry Glen Ross.

His first major role with the Kidderminster thespians was Danny in The Night Must Fall.

"Getting involved with The Rose really cemented my dreams and I have learnt so much from The Nonentities over the last five years," he said.

Fellow Nonentities member, Jo Widdowson, has also gained a place at the ALRA in Wandsworth and Jamie says the Kidderminster pair are hoping to find a flat together in London.

Anyone interested in sponsoring Jamie can contact him on 01562 743897.