A PUPIL at Thirsk School, Richard Lyth, 12, has beaten 50 other youngsters to win the lead role in a production of Lional Bart's musical, Oliver!

The musical is being staged at The Grand Opera House, York, from September 25 to October 4 by York Musical Theatre Company.

Richard is the son of the school's doctor, Natalie Lyth, of Bagby, and attends Stagecoach Theatre School in Northallerton.

He has previously appeared in Yorkshire Television's Heartbeat series. He has also recently taken part in a TV drama with the former EastEnders actor Martin Kemp which will be shown later in the year.

An accomplished musician, Richard recently visited Belgium with the school string ensemble were he played in several concerts.

He has been busy rehearing during the school holidays in preparation for the opening night.

He will be joined on stage by his drama teacher at Thirsk, Richard Bainbridge, who appears in the production as Bill Sykes