A FORMER schoolgirl from York is set to follow in the footsteps of Richard Attenborough, Kenneth Branagh and Dame Diana Rigg, after being offered a place at RADA.

Amelia Cook, a former pupil of The Mount School, has been offered a place at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, which is widely regarded as the “Oxbridge” of drama training establishments.

During her gap year, Amelia auditioned for a place at the academy alongside hundreds of other hopefuls, and found out earlier this month she had been offered a one-year foundation course with RADA - which also boasts York's Dame Judi Dench as an associate member - from September.

While at The Mount, Amelia regularly took part in school productions, concerts and drama activities, and has also performed in many shows and concerts in and around York, including - most recently - York Light Youth’s production of Barnum.

Amelia said: "I am absolutely over the moon to have confirmed my place at RADA on the foundation course. The audition process was very nerve racking I am very happy that all my hard work has paid off.

"I am very grateful the The Mount and all the staff I truly couldn't have done it without the endless support I have received from them and all of the incredible opportunities they have provided me with over the years."