A STUDENT drama festival that has attracted actors Richard Wilson and Prunella Scales got under way yesterday.

The National Student Drama Festival, in Scarborough, North Yorkshire, is celebrating its 50th anniversary. It features students from all over the UK and runs until Friday.

Sir Alan Ayckbourn, Willy Russell, Prunella Scales and Richard Wilson have all been confirmed to lead workshops during the week.

Festival director Andrew Loretto said: "The festival week is a week-long unique experience where professional practitioners encounter students and emerging artists.