TWO of the region's leading figures from the theatre world have pledged their support to a North Yorkshire school's effort to become a centre of performing arts.

Playwright Sir Alan Ayckbourn and actor Ian Carmichael are giving their backing to the bid by Ryedale School, at Nawton, near Helmsley.

Both men live in the county - Sir Alan at Scarborough and Carmichael near Whitby - and both have enjoyed many successes over the years.

Now they have pledged to put on performances to help the school raise money towards the bid.

Headteacher Geoff Jenkinson said the news was a huge boost to their plans to be awarded specialist status.

"We are thrilled to have such significant support and enormously grateful that two giants of the performing arts are willing to make the time to perform for us," he said.

"The credibility of the bid is now firmly established."

To become a specialist performing arts school, Ryedale must first raise £50,000. Doing so will unlock £450,000 of Government funding.

The school plans to build a studio space, with retractable tiered seating, sprung floor, recording studio and rehearsal rooms as part of a £100,000 building project.

Money would then be available to pay for specialist teachers, professional equipment and project work.

Mr Jenkinson said fundraising for the bid was going well, with several businesses already pledging their support.

Sir Alan will be performing at the school on October 30, at 7.30pm. Reservations for tickets, priced £10, can be made through the school office on (01439) 771665.

The date for Ian Carmichael's event is still to be confirmed, but is likely to be in the spring term, at Helmsley Arts Centre.