A 16-YEAR-OLD student has secured a place at the prestigious National Youth Theatre (NYT).

Alastair Coughlan, who lives in Kirkbymoorside, was one of more than 4,100 young people aged 14 to 21 to audition for places at venues across the country.

From the thousands that applied, 688 have been offered a place on a summer intake course after which they become NYT members, with the opportunity to star in the company’s critically-acclaimed productions, which include a season of shows in London’s West End.

Previous members include Helen Mirren, Daniel Craig, Colin Firth and Orlando Bloom.

Alastair, who is a pupil at Ryedale School, said finding out that he had got into the NYT was one of the best moments of his life.

“This was the third time I’d auditioned so it means a huge amount to have got in, and I am really excited about the course this summer and the opportunities that being a member will bring,” he said.

“I’m looking forward to meeting and working with other people to whom acting and performing are as important as they are to me, and to learning more about the craft of theatre and performance. I know it will stretch me and I will gain so much from the experience.”

Alastair said to attend the course he needed to raise £1,300 towards fees, travel, accommodation and living expenses.

“To raise the money, I am asking people to set me a challenge, or to sponsor me to do one of the challenges already on my list.

“If it won’t cost me anything and if my mum says it’s safe, then I’m up for it,” he said.

“Earlier this month I ran the Kirkbymoorside 4k in costume; the support I received there was amazing and I would like to say a big thank you to everyone who sponsored me on that day.”

Alastair said some of the other challenges that he had yet to complete included a food challenge, a 24-hour silence and getting “pied”, which would all be posted on social media as proof.

“I would like to thank my drama teacher Jonathan Lewis, Em Whitfield Brooks, from Helmsley Arts Centre, Miss Sarah at Sarah-Louise Ashworth School of Dance and my family and friends who have all been so supportive throughout my life,” he said.

“I am really looking forward to becoming a member of NYT and I’m excited about the opportunities which may arise because of it.”

Anyone who would like to sponsor Alastair should email him at alastair.nyt2015@gmail.com