SKIPTON actor Thomas Aldersley will bring his experience of stage and screen to an acting summer school.

Thomas, whose television appearances include stints in Coronation Street, Emmerdale, Atlantis and Hollyoaks, has just finished filming for new drama In The Dark, which will go out on BBC1 in the Autumn.

Now, the busy actor, who is also an experienced acting teacher, has decided to launch his own drama school - Castle Performing Arts.

“I decided to set up Castle Performing Arts to offer Skipton the kind of drama school training available in London and Manchester. Being from the town and a parent myself, I know how hard it can be to find decent acting training offered by professionals at an affordable price in the area," he said.

Thomas has taught at some of the country's top drama schools and universities, including The Arden School of Theatre, The University of Salford, and The University of Manchester.

He has also taught acting classes for groups closer to home, such as Northern Drama Acting School in Leeds and Articulate Speech and Drama in Ilkley.

The summer school will be for seven to 17 year olds and will be based at Skipton Baptist Church, Otley Street.

It will feature fun and exciting workshops in stage acting, script work, improvisation, acting for television, physical theatre and writing, culminating in a performance on the final day for family friends.

It will run from Monday, August 15 to Friday, August 19 (9am to 4pm) and will cost £60 for the whole week.

The summer school will be followed by weekly classes - starting in September on Wednesday evenings, for both adults and children.

Meanwhile, Thomas' new four part drama In the Dark, is the work of BAFTA-winning writer Danny Brocklehurst and is an adaptation of the bestselling book by Mark Billingham. It stars MyAnna Buring as Helen Weeks, a feisty, yet fragile, detective. Thomas plays Detective Brian Fay and features in the final two episodes as Helen's friend and confidant.

“It was wonderful to be part of such a hard hitting drama and collaborating with such a wonderful cast," he said.

For more information or to book a place on either the Summer School or weekly classes visit Castle Performing Arts’ website at castleperformingarts.com or call or text 07742996807