Teenager with stardom in his eyes

A Heath Hayes teenager with star potential is looking to take the performing world by storm.

Jamie-Ray Hartshorne, aged 16, who has already made appearances on TV, just finished his studies at the Sylvia Young Theatre School in London.

He has already appeared in London's West End, including on the production of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, and done TV commercials and voiceovers.

He also has done modelling work and appeared in dance DVDs.

After passing nine GCSEs with grade C and above and receiving his school's award for achievement in dance, he now starts a three-year scholarship at the Laines Theatre Arts College in Epsom from September. His proud mother, Michelle Martin, aged 38, said: "You name it he's done it in the last five years.

"I'm very proud but I'm glad that it's come to an end in one way because it is very stressful to have a child at stage school.

"But he's just worked so hard, I can't say how hard he's worked to get what he's achieved.

"I've got a few grey hairs along the way, but it was worth every minute of it.

"It's a fantastic life for any child to do but it is also a lot of hard work for both the child and their family." Jamie-Ray started at theatre workshops at the Prince of Wales Theatre in Cannock when he was aged four.

During school terms, he would be up at 4.30am on Mondays to get to Birmingham New Street station for 5.30am to catch a train to London for the week.

Mrs Martin said: "People think it's easy at theatre school but believe me it's not.

"A lot of children want to do X-Factor and think it's all bright lights and everything but it's not – it is actually a lot of hard work and dedication. If you're prepared to put that in, then you will reap the benefits at the end of it."