A SIXTH former from a small North Yorkshire village is set to follow in the footsteps of Dame Helen Mirren, Daniel Craig and Orlando Bloom after winning a coveted National Youth Theatre place.

Carys Peedell beat thousands of aspiring young actors to be accepted onto the world-leading theatre’s sought-after summer course following a two-stage virtual audition.

This also entitles her to become a member of the NYT company, which means she will be offered casting auditions and opportunities to perform in productions up and down the country.

The 17-year-old Ripon Grammar School student from Kirklington, near Bedale, said: “It’s an amazing opportunity and has been the launch pad for many successful acting careers.”

She added: “I’ve loved acting for as long as I can remember – when I was little, I would constantly dress up and make films with my sister.”

Last year, Carys and her acting partner Alfie Davies won the Harrogate Competitive Festival Speech and Drama Championship final.