A RISING Redditch star has won a place at a top performing arts school which boasts Victoria Beckham as a former student.

Damon Morris, a pupil at Arrow Vale High School, was one of just 60 talented youngsters to secure a place at the Laine Theatre School in Surrey.

The 16 year old, who is studying for his A-levels, auditioned during half term, beating off stiff competition from more than 600 other hopefuls.

He auditioned there last year but was told by principal Betty Laine to return when he was ''a bit older and a bit taller''.

Damon will begin his three-year course in Musical Theatre, which covers singing, acting and dancing, next September.

Although the fees for the course total £33,000, Damon will audition for a scholarship in April which will reduce the amount to £3,000.

An Arrow Vale spokesman said: "All at the school are proud of Damon's achievement. It takes real talent and dedication, both of which he has, to make it in show business. I hope to see his name in lights in a few years."