It’s time for the spotlight to shine on one of Stagecoaches’ most talented young actors.

Thomas Donnan, from Whitehaven, has been granted a place at the prestigious Bristol Old Vic Theatre School.

Through sheer grit, determination, and talent, he has been making his dream come true.

Thomas said about securing his place at the theatre, “It definitely hasn’t sunk in yet, it does feel very surreal. It is both absolutely amazing, and absolutely terrifying at the same time.

“To know that I will be walking the same corridors and being taught in the same studios as some of BOVTS’ most amazing alumni; Sir Patrick Stewart, Olivia Colman, Gene Wilder and Naomie Harris is just a massive ‘pinch-me-moment!’

“I would like to say a massive ‘thank you’ to the amazing, brilliant, and most supportive Stagecoach Team. It has nurtured and mentored me from a little lad and has ignited in me a passion for performing; I just can’t get enough.

“This is an incredible opportunity which has the potential to give me and my career a huge kick start. I can’t wait to start in October.

“I will miss my Stagecoach family dearly, though.”

The principal of stagecoach Cockermouth and Carlisle, Naomi Bewsher, was ecstatic when she heard one of her pupils would be going to such a famous theatre school.

She said: “I am absolutely delighted for him. Thomas has always had a raw natural talent for performing arts. He’s always had a passion for the arts, being a bit of an all-rounder, and true performer.

“We’ve known Thomas for many years now. He came into stagecoach as a young boy and went all the way through the ranks.

“He came to work with us as an assistant and during a year out through sheer determination kept fighting for his dream — wanting to be an actor. We’re very proud of him and excited for his future.”

Thomas will be learning from some incredible mentors and tutors for his three-year study at the Bristol Old Vic. The 20-year-old hopes to go into theatre and screen.