A PARTY of 70 theatregoers from Royal Wootton Bassett Academy enjoyed a trip to Birmingham Hippodrome to see the touring professional production of Les Miserables in which former local student Harry Apps has the major role of Marius.

Liz Hodgson, head of music at Royal Wootton Bassett Academy, said "We always knew that Harry was destined for big things, and to land a role like this, at 18, is just unheard of; we’re so proud of him." Zoe Markham-Lee, the Academy's head of drama, said "At school Harry was always very talented. He could sing, dance and act. Whenever he was working in groups, he was always the leader and director and wanting the best out of everything."

Harry, who left the school last summer after A-levels, was delighted to audition successfully for the role, which has launched him straight into a promising career.