YOUNGSTERS are being taught by someone with a face more familiar for drug dealing and brutality!

But Brookside's Andrew Fillis is showing just what a good actor he is by discarding his nasty character, Gary Standlow, and helping run a drama school in Tyldesley.

The television star, who has also appeared in A&E, is one of the faces behind the Access to the Arts drama group which meets each week at the Fred Longworth School.

He has joined forces with former teacher Bob Collins and fellow professional actor Gabriel Kern to offer youngsters, as well as adults, the opportunity to receive the training they need if they want to go into the acting profession.

Andrew said: "Things are up and running and people can come along on Saturdays. The group is mostly for young people. Classes on Saturdays are for 10 to 16-year-olds. But we do take adult classes twice weekly.

"It is a fun thing. We take people who seriously want to become an actor, as well as those who simply enjoy doing a little drama.

"Using drama does not have to lead on to a profession. Research shows drama can do a lot for life skills.

"We do dancing and singing as well as acting. We also teach the children things like how to apply stage make-up -- creating the effect of bruising for example.

"We also show them how to act for the camera."

Andrew, originally from Liverpool, moved to Manchester when he was accepted into drama school. He finished his course in 1994 and worked mostly in theatre fringe. A short time later he won the role of Gary in Brookside in which he remained as a bad guy for 10 months.

He said: "I have also set up my own theatre company which has toured with three plays so far. I am also preparing for another tour later this year.

"That is one of the good things about our group. The children are being taught by working professional actors."

Andrew is an ambassador for the Prince's Trust and a member of the Variety Club of Great Britain. He said: "I enjoy teaching, and putting something back into the community."

Anyone can take part in the group, regardless of experience. It meets on Saturday 9am to 1pm. Turn up on the day or for further details phone 0161 790 2727.