A SHEBBEAR College student who lives near Okehampton has achieved an impressive distinction grade in his LAMDA examination.

Twelve-year old Ollie Crowhurst received the impressive mark in the examination for the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art (LAMDA, the leading British drama school in West London. It prepares actors, directors, designers, stage managers and technicians for careers in the industry.

LAMDA Examinations enable candidates worldwide to develop their communication and performance skills, and is the UK's leading statutory awarding body for speech and drama.

Ollie attends the weekly Tavistock Children's Theatre Group, and has joined a casting agency which will enable him to audition for roles in London, including the possibility of television work.

He is also auditioning for an adult role in a forthcoming production of Oliver Twist.

The exam success is the latest in a long line of successes for Ollie, recently played Charlie Bates and two other roles in a sellout production of Oliver Twist at the Wharf Theatre in Tavistock, followed by a number of solo parts in 'Christmas Cracker' at the same venue.

He has also recently played the role of Fat Sam in Bugsy Malone at The Wharf.