The latest in a long line of future stars to roll off the Amman Valley acting talent production line have taken a major step forward in their stage careers.

Arwel Rees, of Heol y Felin in Betws, and Mared Williams, of Llandybie’s Parc Pencae, saw off more than 4,000 hopefuls to claim a place at the prestigious National Youth Theatre of Great Britain’s acting course.

Arwel, aged 20, and 18-year-old Mared, both former Ysgol Dyffryn Aman pupils, took part in a two-week programme involving master-classes with stars from the Royal Shakespeare Company and the National Theatre before performing an ensemble piece based around the short stories of British director Tim Burton.

“It was a really intense experience,” said Arwel, a second year drama student at Aberystwyth University. “It was great to make friends and contacts with people from across the country.”

Gorseinon College performing arts student Mared added: “It was really good to take part. It made me realise what an incredibly competitive industry it is.”