A YOUNG actor took his place alongside some of the world's biggest stars stage and screen after winning the Evening Standard Emerging Talent award for a role on London's theatre circuit.

David Moorst could not hide his delight as he posed for a winners' photo alongside Hollywood movie stars Nicole Kidman and James McAvoy, acting legend Vanessa Redgrave and composer Stephen Sondheim.

The 23-year-old was awarded for his role in Violence and Son at the Royal Court.

David, who is from Haresfinch, won rave reviews for his role in Gary Owen's play about his character's turbulent relationship with his violent father.

The star studied awards ceremony at the Old Vic theatre was presented by Rob Brydon and co-hosted by Dame Judi Dench and Sir Ian McKellen.

His proud mum Pam who attended the ceremony alongside him admitted she was still on cloud nine: "I've not been able to sleep for three days. It's been incredible. He gave such a lovely speech and told everyone he was from St Helens. Ian McKellan picked up on that later when they were having a chat and he said 'I'm from up North too'. Before the picture was taken Vanessa Redgrave said 'David the award is very heavy, will you hold it for me'. David said to me 'mum, I'll never forget those words'. I'm so proud of him because he's worked so hard.

"I spoke to Lenny Henry and Ian McKellan. We asked could we have our photos taken with them and they said no we would like our pictures taken with David."

David took to Twitter to express his happiness. He wrote: "I am utterly overwhelmed. Thank you so much to everyone whose love and support has given me a night that I will never ever forget."

He was last in St Helens early in November when he took an acting workshop for aspiring actors at his former school and is due to appear as Jack in the play Into the Woods at the Royal Exchange in Manchester over Christmas.

David's former headteacher at Cowley Cameron Sheeran said: " “We are thrilled to hear about David’s magnificent achievement. During his time at Cowley, he was a very popular and diligent student who showed exceptional talent in the roles he performed in our theatre performances.

"I, along with David’s mum, Pam, who is the office manager for our 11 to 16 site and the whole of the Cowley community, send our heartfelt congratulations to David on his fantastic success and wish him all the very best for his part as Jack in the play ‘Into the Woods’ that’s being performed at the Royal Exchange next month.”