The Everyman Theatre in Cheltenham, which runs and supports the largest youth theatre programme in the county, has announced the appointment of a new youth theatre and education manager.

Ashley Elbourne, currently head of youth theatre at the Theatre Royal and Derngate, Northampton, will join the team at the Everyman on July 8.

The Everyman's creative director Paul Milton said: "It's lovely to have someone in our education post who has been active and successful in another regional theatre.

"His work with young people is excellent; he brings a lot of energy and enthusiasm with him. Ashley has a clear vision of the future of arts in education, which is very exciting."

Ashley directed and produced numerous successful performances whilst promoting artistic excellence and striving to offer platforms where young people could demonstrate their true potential in Northampton.

He will take his years of experience and expertise to establish and grow the youth theatre and education work which the Everyman offers.

Ashley said: "I am thrilled to be joining the Everyman Theatre. The team have got some great ambitions and I am excited to be a pivotal part of making those ambitions a reality.

"They are achieving some excellent work both professionally on the main stage, in the studio, as well as, in the community.

"By working and creating valuable partnerships with local organisations and communities, I aim to grow, develop and establish the participation work, both in and out of formal education, whilst spearheading the digital engagement across all creative learning work. Who wouldn't want to be involved in that?"

The education and community team have just launched the Sir Ian McKellen Bursaries after the acting legend's sold-out shows raised more than £40,000 which has enabled the theatre to launch a fund-raising campaign to help disadvantaged young people access the arts in the county.

The Everyman has bursary spaces available on its annual summer musical theatre workshops.

The Junior Summer School 'Wildings' is for 7-11 year olds and runs from July 29 to August 2 with a performance and the Senior group is for those aged 11-18 and runs from August 12-23 and is based on 'Revolution'.

The summer schools are a chance for young people to work with theatre professionals to develop musical theatre skills and perform on stage. The participants will work in small groups, determined by age, to explore script, master new and existing musical and dance numbers, all culminating in a glorious on-stage revolution.