A FORMER butler, who went to school in Yarm and attended theatre classes in Stockton and Billingham, hopes he has ironed his last newspaper after being offered a place at a London drama school.

Mr Mike Stephen, 33, of Fieldhouse Lane, Kirkelvington, now aims to swap his tails and waistcoat for a stage career. He has been offered a place at the East 15 drama school, near London, and is searching for sponsorship to pay for his £15,000 fees.

After attending Yarm and Conyers schools, he graduated in languages from Manchester university and then trained to be a butler at the Oliver Spencer International School for Butlers in London.

Following that, he became a dedicated servant to wealthy employers across Europe.

However, after working for years as a butler and linguist, Mr Stephen is now returning to drama.

He fended off competition from more than 400 other applicants to secure one of 14 places on a one-year postgraduate diploma course at the drama school.

"The audition for a place was pretty daunting and competition is tough in the acting world. I know it will be hard work but, when you are offered this kind of opportunity, you just feel the energy growing inside you.

"I'm really excited. The time is right for me to be immersed in a structured world of highly qualified instructors and performers.

"Quality training does not come cheap. I hope some kindly person hears my plea."

As a boy, he took part in drama classes at the Dovecot arts centre and Billingham Forum, ran by Mr Gordon Steel and Mr Rupert Booth.

In addition to being a butler, he worked in translating and occasionally interpreted for the England youth soccer team at German matches - a memorable experience for him.

While in Germany, he performed on stage in English comedies like Bouncers. Other casting credits include Grease, Oliver and Hair., while he has done television voice over work for BMW, Lufthansa and Siemens.

Any offers of sponsorship can be made to the East 15 drama school, Hatfields, Rectory Lane, Loughton, Essex, on 020 8508 8705.