TWO talented teens from Pensnett are celebrating after scooping places on the prestigious National Youth Theatre course.

Diana Ganha, aged 16, and 15-year-old Jack Callagan, have both been awarded places on the hard-fought for course, after impressing judges in an audition.

Diana, from Blewitt Street, is currently sitting her GCSE’s at Thorns Community College in Quarry Bank, and performed a monologue in her audition at Brierley Hill Civic Hall last November.

A delighted Diana said she was thrilled to get a letter giving her the thumbs up and said: “This was the third time I auditioned, so I couldn’t believe it to read I had finally got in, as I was so nervous at the audition. It was so weird to read I had got a place - I was shocked.”

Diana is now getting set to travel down to London in August to work with the National Youth Theatre on a two-week course, which involves workshops and culminates with a show at the end of the busy fortnight.

She said: “I’m really looking forward to it and I am excited more than nervous.”

Jack Callagan, from Tiled House Lane, auditioned for his place at Brierley Hill Civic Hall in February by performing a piece from Peter Pan.

It was the first time the Pensnett High year ten pupil had auditioned for the course and he said he was over the moon at being picked.

Jack said: “I was overjoyed, especially as it was the first time I had auditioned. I felt very privileged to get the letter to say I had got through.”

Jack is set to attend his two-week course in April next year.

He added: “I’m really looking forward to going, I can’t wait. “ The pair now have to raise £1,000 each to cover their course fees and accommodation and have received backing from Dudley South MP Ian Pearson.

Congratulating them both, Mr Pearson said: “The competition for places at the National Youth Theatre has been extremely fierce this year with over 4,000 involved. Having two successful Pensnett youngsters get through is fantastic and we should be proud of Diana and Jack.

“But now they could do with some help - they need up to £1,000 each to cover the costs of the course they will be on. I know they have made a start and are thinking about ways to get the money together. I would like to ask anyone who can give help to ring my office on 01384 455022 and we will put them in touch with them both.”