A young performer has won a place at the National Youth Theatre’s summer school.

Singer and actress Olivia Early, from Liskeard, says she was ‘much better prepared’ for the tough selection process this year, having already auditioned last year.

Alumni of the course include Orlando Bloom, Daniel Craig, Matt Smith, Helen Mirren and Rosamund Pike.

The month-long training is designed to equip young performers and producers with the skills and knowledge needed to enter the industry, says Olivia, 21.

Participants are coached in performance techniques as well as learning technical film-making skills. The summer school culminates in the staging of a new work, created and produced by course members, and performed in the West End to an invited industry audience.

Olivia has grown up acting, singing and dancing in the South West, most recently giving a performance as Mrs Lovett in Sweeney Todd at Sterts Theatre.