TV actor Derek Fowlds took time out from his own filming schedule to see some of the budding stars of tomorrow in action.

The Heartbeat stalwart - he plays Oscar Blaketon - is the patron of the York School of Dance and Drama.

The youngsters are about to take part in a new production, Children of the Lost Planet written by their principal Lesley Ann Eden, at the city's Grand Opera House next month.

Mr Fowlds travelled down from filming the Yorkshire TV police drama at Goathland to sit in on rehearsals and chat to the youngsters afterwards.

"He gives them 100 per cent support all the time. He thinks their vibrancy is amazing," said a spokesman.