AN ACADEMY giving aspiring actors from Wrexham the chance to break through celebrated turning a year old over the weekend.

The Wrexham Academy of Screen Acting was launched by former Coronation Street actor Dean Fagan on October 12 of last year.

Dean, who portrayed mechanic Luke Britton on the ITV show between 2014 and 2018, set up the academy with the aim of giving local talent a 'golden opportunity' to kick-start their screen acting journey.

Now based mainly at The Lab at Eagles Meadow in Wrexham, the academy is going from strength to strength as it celebrates its first birthday.

Earlier this month, several of its students took part in filming for 'Up the Town' - a drama TV series all about Wrexham that is hoping to hit our tv screens soon.

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It has also had some top guests including Dean's fellow ex-Corrie star Ian Puleston-Davies and This is England actor Michael Socha pop in for sessions.

And on October 12, tutors, students and even Wrexham mayor Cllr Bery Blackmore gathered at The Lab to celebrate one year since the academy was launched.

Speaking after the event, the Wrexham Academy of Screen Acting team said: "What a night, thank you to all who came for our first birthday. Can’t believe it’s been a year already! We accomplished a lot this year.

"There’s so much more to come. We’re building something truly special and it was evident last night. Can’t wait to see what the future holds. Let’s have it!"

Dean and fellow instructors; Ruby Snape, Louise Pridding and Fern Evans oversee weekly youth and adult programs at The Lab.

They include on-camera sessions that progress skills through filmed scenes, feedback, expanding range, and collaborating with diverse acting partners.

They also host screen-acting bootcamps for children, including a Halloween version which will take place this half term between October 28 and November 1.