YOUNG actors will benefit from two workshops which have opened in North Yorkshire.

To celebrate its 25th anniversary, a youth theatre yesterday launched classes in Whitby.

The Stephen Joseph Youth Theatre, in Scarborough, is to give youngsters between the ages of eight and 15 an opportunity to develop performance skills under the guidance of experienced theatre professionals. Celebrated playwri-ght Alan Ayckbourn is the theatre's artistic director.

Better known as Rounders, the youth theatre is holding the workshops in the Whitby Pavilion. It will allow children to experience theatre on their doorstep instead of travelling 20 miles to Scarborough.

A theatre spokesperson said: "The youth theatre in Scarborough is really popular and the waiting list has long been over-subscribed. With a number of those waiting coming from the Whitby area, demand for extra events was all too apparent.

"The new workshops will allow these youngsters to learn about the theatre, work with scripts and act out plays. An education team will travel to Whitby to teach the classes as well as professional actors and specialists taking sessions." The Stephen Joseph Theatre is working in partnership with Scarborough Borough Council and North Yorkshire County Council to enhance the arts provisions for youngsters in Whitby and the surrounding district.

The councils have provided funding for a member of staff to help run the venture.

County Councillor John Dennis said: "This is an exciting opportunity for young people to experience working with a world class theatre company."

Local borough councillor Jane Kenyon said: "The council is always looking at different ways of improving access to the arts. This gives opportunities to young people who have previously not been able to learn new drama techniques and skills locally."

There will be two weekly sessions at the Whitby Pavilion costing £2. Youngsters between the ages of eight and 11 should attend the session on Saturdays, between 10am and noon. Those aged between 12 and 15 should attend the Tuesday evening session, between 6pm and 8pm.