A former Norwich City College pupil has achieved his dream by being selected for a London drama school.

Joshua Williams has wanted to become an actor since he was a child and he has succeeded in securing a place at Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts after attending auditions at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, the London Academy of Dramatic Art, Guildhall and The Drama Centre.

He left school after obtaining the highest grade in his final drama piece and a recording of his final performance has been used in schools across the country.

He went on to attend City College for the acting diploma, which he has just finished and in which he got a triple distinction star.

Candidates were advised that it would take on average three years to get accepted at a drama school and that only 0.6pc of applicants make it through.

But Joshua was accepted for the degree course at his first attempt.

He has starred in many plays at City College, including Alice in Wonderland as the Mad Hatter, Macbeth in the title role, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory as Willy Wonka, and he has just finished performing in Sinbad at the Theatre Royal.

His mother Sharon Parkinson said the cost of going to a prestigious drama school in London was expensive and he received very little support, and as it is a private academy he would not receive the full student loan of £9,000 but only £6,000.

The course fees alone are £12,000 per year. He then also has to pay for his accommodation which will be around £6,500 per year along with living costs and general expenses.

The only other help that he is receiving is a £5,500 grant to help with the cost of accommodation.

She said: 'Needless to say, I am extremely proud of him and have no doubts that he is going to make it to be a very successful actor in the future.'