FILM star Simon Pegg has lent his name to Stroud Drama Academy.


It has been announced that the Hot Fuzz star is patron of the group and it is hoped he will visit them soon.


Chas Dyson, who founded the academy with his wife Philippa, said: "We are very proud to announce that Simon Pegg has become our patron. 


"Simon lending his name to our academy really helps get the attention the academy deserves.


"He will be visiting us at some stage and hopefully he will give a talk with advice for aspiring actors.


"However at the moment his career is going from strength to strength and he is spending a lot of time filming in Hollywood particularly on the latest Star Trek and the much anticipated The World's End."


Simon was born in Gloucester and went to what is now Brockworth Enterprise School.


He created and co-wrote the Channel 4 sitcom Spaced and has written and starred in many films including Shaun of the Dead, Paul and Run, Fat Boy, Run.


Stroud Drama Academy started as a drama club at local schools three years ago.


In September, Chas and Philippa set up the academy and now run classes for children and adults at the Rodborough Tabernacle, offering group and private tuition in drama, music and vocal training.


Chas, a RADA and LAMDA trained actor, said: "Our aim is to create a stimulating environment for students in learning how to be more confident, creative and self assertive through stage methods.


"This includes a variety of areas of theatre, film and music, showing how these methods can be utilised in every day life."


For more information see www.stroudmusicanddramaacademy.co.uk