A DRAMA school in North Yorkshire, which has put several actors on the professional stage and given tuition to hundreds of children in the county, is celebrating its 21st anniversary.

Run by its founder, Geoffrey Loy, the Northern Academy of Theatre Arts visits schools and community halls throughout the county. It has about 500 members.

"We aim to take drama to places which would not normally see it, such as villages," said Mr Loy, of Pickering.

"We are training tomorrow's theatre audiences and, hopefully, some stars.

"Drama is not something which should be slotted in to the school curriculum as a stop-gap. It should be a key part of every child's education," he said.