A FORMER newspaper boy with the Telegraph & Argus who had dreams of stardom has been offered the chance to study musical theatre in London.

From aged six Jacob Backhouse loved performing. He began by singing and playing the guitar, which was followed with performing in musical theatre productions with Cleckheaton and Spenborough Amateur Operatic and Dramatic Society.

He has now been offered a place to study on a foundation course at Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts in London and is now in the process of trying to raise enough money to enable him to attend.

He is putting on a fundraising concert after securing sponsorship from local businesses and will be offering a raffle and refreshments on the night.

The concert is at St John's Church, in Cleckheaton, this Saturday, May 27, and begins at 7pm.

"Unfortunately, even with the money raised from the concert, it may still not be enough to make it possible for me to accept the place at Mountview," he explained.

"Attending Mountview would be the first step towards my dream, which would hopefully continue on from there with me going onto a three year degree course and then going on to perform on the West End."

Anyone wanting tickets or who may be able to help with future sponsorship can get in touch with Jacob on 07717949568 or emailing jacobbackhouse@icloud.com