TWO stars of stage and silver screen went back to school yesterday to help drama students prepare for exams.

Film star Chris Rankin and theatre actor Oliver Stoney shared tips with pupils at Woodham Community Technology College, Newton Aycliffe, yesterday.

Mr Rankin, who plays Percy Weasley in the Harry Potter films, and Mr Stoney cast a critical eye over pupils' performances.

They offered advice on how to add more emotion to their roles, connect with the audience and make it as a professional actor.

Drama teacher Gemma Ithurralde said: "It was a really good opportunity for pupils to get advice from professionals ahead of their exam performances.

"It is also inspiring to see the different routes they have taken into their careers and interesting for a change to see and hear it from an actor rather than me all of the time."

Chris Rankin and Oliver Stoney are performing in Wuthering Heights at Darlington Civic Theatre until Saturday.

For details or tickets contact the box office on (01325) 486555.