YOUNG Yeadon actor Nicholas Bellwood has thoroughly enjoyed his time in the West Yorkshire Playhouse production of The Wizard of Oz' which ends its run on February 3.

When the show ends its run Nick will have been in 44 performances - tiring for both him and his parents Karl and Marie.

The 11 year-old has been playing a Munchkin in his first role on the professional stage and Nick has appreciated all the help he has been given to play the role.

He said: "I would just like to say a great big thank you to all the staff of Wizard of Oz' at the West Yorkshire Playhouse. Thank you for giving me the experience of working with a professional company. I have thoroughly enjoyed the experience.

"I would also like to thank the stage crew who make sure we all have the right props. It's nice to work with them. I would also like to say a great big thank you to Di Askin who passes on all the information we need to know and the costume department for the fantastic costumes.

"My biggest thanks go to Rachel Kavanagh, Steve Ridley and Jenny Arnold. Without them there wouldn't have been a show.

"Thanks also to Julie who does all the stage calls and Michelle and her assistants for all the scene changes."

Nick is also grateful to his Head Teacher at Rufford Park Primary School in Yeadon, Mrs Anslow, and his class teacher Mrs Choma for their support and for letting him have time off school to do the show.

Nick got a taste for acting when he took part in a Northern Academy of Performing Arts Summer School a few years ago and since then he has gone on to perform in a number of productions including Oliver' at Leeds City Varieties just before the run of Oz' started.

Tickets for the Wizard of Oz' at the West Yorkshire Playhouse are available on 0113 213 7700 or online at www.wyp.org.uk