TEENAGER Bretten Lord caught the public’s eye in 2012 when he starred in the feature film, Lad: A Yorkshire Story at the age of just 13.

Now the 16-year-old is sharing his passion for the arts with youngsters in his community.

He’s not only established Take 2 – a new community theatre group - he’s also directing its first pantomime, The Witch that Nicked Christmas, written by Mike Harding,

It will be performed at Settle’s Victoria Hall from Wednesday, December 3, to Friday, December 5, with curtains up at 7.30pm.

Since Lad, Bretten’s career has soared.

He has won three Best Actor awards in international film festivals and has even scooped a Gold Remi for a short film he made when he was 14. He has also directed a music video for a charity that helps the armed forces.

Now Bretten wants to create more local opportunities youngsters to engage with the arts.

He applied to Craven’s Dragon Den to fund his ambitions plans – and was the only applicant to receive the full amount requested.

He then formed Take 2 and secured a script from acclaimed singer, songwriter, author, poet and broadcaster Mike Harding. The production includes more 50 youngsters and adults from within the community.

“Everybody, whatever their age, is welcome to join Take 2,” said Bretten. “We’ve created a fun place where people can come, make friends and create a performance that they can be proud of.”

Bretten’s commitment to his community has not gone unnoticed. He was recently named Young Citizen of the Year in Craven’s Community Champion Awards.

The Witch that Nicked Christmas will have audiences in stitches. It follows the hilarious quest of two young children who want to reclaim Christmas from the ghastly evil witch Mabel Shuffelwick. It’s only when the children start thinking about the real meaning of Christmas that they have any chance of getting it back.

The production has been crafted with the whole family in mind and tickets are available online at settlevictoriahall.org.uk or by calling 017299 825718.