A NEW youth theatre leader is set to help boost stage-struck youngsters' talent in the town.

Last night bosses at the Octagon Theatre confirmed that Steven Fairclough has been appointed to the post to develop children's acting skills as part of the Activ8 theatre project.

The petrol crisis means the 28-year-old has not been able to attend meetings which will outline proposals for the future but special workshops are due to start on September 25.

And Mr Fairclough, who lives in Haigh, Wigan, and who has a history working in local theatre, says the new venture will provide a challenge.

He said: "I'm hoping that I can bring excitement and enjoyment to the young people that come along to the sessions. Hopefully I will help them develop as actors and get some personal enjoyment from that."

At the moment Mr Fairclough's contract will run up to Christmas time with bosses at the Howell Croft South building evaluating his input during that time.

His new job comes after a background in theatre, which saw him gain a BA (Hons) degree in performing arts as well as taking a huge interest in Wigan Little Theatre since 1989.

The new appointment, with Mr Fairclough taking over from Jason Hudson, is a further boost to the theatre's Activ8 youth and community project which serves 35,000 people a year.

The new term, which starts in nine days time will provide five groups for children aged between 11 and 17 plus, with the majority of sessions taking place in the Bill Naughton Theatre.

Mr Fairclough added: "For any town youth theatre is very important. It creates tomorrow's actors."

And Activ8 workers have welcomed Mr Fairclough's appointment, amid hopes new ideas will be created for performances.

It follows on a year in which more than 40 young people took part in the musical Bolton Rising, documenting mill worker protests, and performances looking at family and relationship problems.

Activ8 Administrator Caroline Gleaves said: "We just hope this will breathe new life into youth theatre in the town."