A BUDDING actor from Broadway will carry out the dreams his mother once had after landing the opportunity of a lifetime to train with the National Youth Theatre.

William Close, a 16-year-old student at Prince Henry's High School, was selected out of 5,000 applicants to join 400 others on the theatre's two-week course in London this summer, the same course his mother Kathryn, who runs Campden Drama Group, had once hoped to go on.

"My mum had wanted to go on the course, but never went for it," he said. "Now I'll be on the same course that Orlando Bloom was on 10 years ago. He's my idol! I'm so excited about the summer now but I have to try to keep concentrating on my exams for the time being."

William, who has been attending rehearsals at Campden Drama Group since he was a toddler, successfully auditioned in Birmingham after spotting a poster advertising the course on his drama tutor's door.

He now hopes the course, which is aimed at helping youngsters aged 16 to 21 perfect their stage skills, will help him climb the career ladder.

He is desperately trying to raise the £600 he needs to attend the course in August which could make him eligible to audition for National Youth Theatre productions.

He is hoping for a token gesture from the school, help from Broadway organisations and is planning lots of extra shifts at The Swan in Broadway, where he works part-time.

Sponsors can contact William on 07779 454222.