A BUDDING actor who gave up everything to pursue his dream has scooped a top award at a prestigious drama school.

Andrew Tillotson, 24, has been named student of the year at London's renowned Artz Ed College, which counts Catherine Zeta Jones, Will Young and Colin Farrell as former students.

The accolade comes at the end of a difficult first year at the college for the wannabe star.

Andrew gave up his house, car and job as a mortgage manager at Skipton Building Society to make the move down south to tread the boards.

And a turbulent 12 months have seen Andrew lose his beloved grandfather and grandma.

But he has put the grief behind him to excel, with teachers saying he is one of the best students to walk through their doors and that he has the 'X-factor'.

Proud mum Helen Taylor, of Ambleside Avenue, Rawtenstall, said: "It's one of the top classes, not just in London, but the world.

"He's done really, really well. I think it's superb for quite a few reasons. He's a mature student who has given everything up to do this course.

"And in the last 12 months he's lost his grandfather, who he was close to, and his grandma to cancer.

"We have all had a really hectic, horrible 12 months so it's good to have something really nice come out of something so horrible.

"He's over the moon and chuffed to bits.

"He's always done acting since he was little and he's following his dream. This opportunity came along and he grabbed it with both hands."

The former Alder Grange High School pupil spent his early years in amateur dramatics performing with Bacup Amateurs and has featured in productions of West End shows.

He secured a £25,000 scholarship to attend the London college.

Helen added: "They do turn out all the professionals.

"He's following in their footsteps."

Andrew's ambition is to make it in the West End but he also plans to venture into TV work.