BUS driver-turned-actor Andrew Holden is boosting his audiences - with a poster campaign telling passengers when he is on telly.

Andrew, of Laurel Avenue, Darwen, has cranked up his own publicity machine after winning a part as an usher in drama series The Courtroom on Channel 4.

Passengers on Darwen Coach Services' route 221 from Blackburn to Brockhall and Dinkley were told to look out for their driver on TV when the weekly series began at 4pm on Monday. And now he is considering repeating the idea every time he gets a role.

The 49-year-old has driven buses for 30 years but has developed a secondary career as an extra since joining Manchester's Nemesis theatrical agency three years ago. His credits include Hollyoaks and the Forsyte Saga.

Andrew previously worked for Oswaldtwistle Coastlinks Express. He got a taste for showbusiness after driving a double-decker bus for guests at the wedding of comedian, Peter Kay.

Andrew's partner Purita Wiggins also used to be an extra. The couple met through dating adverts in the Evening Telegraph. And his father Geoffrey, 78, of Fern Avenue, Oswaldtwistle, also used to be involved in amateur drama.

He said: "I picked up a copy of the Radio Times and saw the series was starting this week. So I bashed out a poster on my computer, letting the passengers know it's on.

"One or two people have seen it, and said they thought my performance wasn't bad. It worked well so I'll considering doing posters every time I hear about one of my appearances in advance."

The Courtroom focuses on events at a fictional magistrates' court and some scenes were filmed in Blackburn town centre.

Andrew added: "Being an extra would be a nice career but there's not enough money in it. You can get £10 per hour and sometimes work all day from 8am until 10pm.

"But you can't guarantee regular work. I think bus driving is my forte."