The Archers actor Stephen Kennedy has been appointed actor-in-residence at Kingston Grammar School.

He will be leading students in sessions, as well as in small-cast plays at the school's drama department.

One-to-one sessions with sixth-formers will be focused on text analysis, preparing for auditions and exploring characters.

Mr Kennedy, who plays regular character Ian Craig in the BBC Radio 4 drama, said: “It goes without saying that I’m really looking forward to working with the staff and students, and of course I’m keen to share my many acting experiences with them all while learning from them too.

"The KGS drama department has an excellent reputation with first-class amenities including the Michael Frayn Theatre, which is a celebrated NTLive venue."

Mr Kennedy has a large body of work in theatre, television and film, as well as radio.

He has played parts in Silent Witness, Casualty, A Touch of Frost, The Bill and Ballykissangel on television, and his film work includes Private Peaceful and Notes on a Scandal.

KGS director of drama Sophie Boulton said: “We are thrilled to welcome such a high calibre actor to KGS as our ‘actor-in-residence’. The students and staff are really looking forward to working with Stephen."