A TEENAGER is aiming to tread in the footsteps of some major movie stars when he takes up a role with a prestigious national youth theatre.

Jake Hankey, 16, has earned a part in the National Youth Music Theatre’s production of Sweet Charity, showing this summer at the Curve Theatre, Leicester.

The theatre company has had prestigious alumni including the likes of Orlando Bloom and recent Best Actor Oscar winner Eddie Redmayne.

Jake, who lives in Newton-le-Willows, does not yet know which role he will be playing which he will find out in April, but he is already excited.

He needs to raise £1,500 in sponsorship and is looking for donations.

Jake, who also runs a Spiderman appearance business for parties, said: “There will be a week-long residential in April when we find out all the parts and then another two weeks in August.“I’m absolutely delighted to have been selected and am really looking forward to getting into rehearsals now.”

Jake hopes to go to college to do musical theatre after he finishes his GCSEs.

“I would be grateful to anyone organisations, businesses or individuals who could spare just a small donation to help me reach my target,” added Jake, who has already received a NODA NW nomination last year for his portrayal of Daddy Brubeck when he appeared in a production of Sweet Charity with the Newton le Willows Amateur Dramatics Society.

“The sponsorship goes towards costs and the NYMT bursary, which helps and supports others from disadvantaged backgrounds attend NYMT.”

And Jake isn’t the only one in his family to have hit the limelight with his older brother, Josh, 17, also an actor.

Both brothers are to appear in a budget youth production of Les Miserables at the Oldham Coliseum in June.

To donate, e-mail jakehankey@gmail.com. Follow @Jake_Hankey.