AN ASPIRING actress from Ulverston has won the first bursary created in the name of the creator of Coronation Street.

Florence Dobson, who attends the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London, has been labelled as the ‘one to watch’ after winning the the Tony Warren Drama Student Bursary.

The bursary covers all tuition fees for the recipient and contributes towards their living expenses across a three-year course of study.

The ITV Studios committee will award a bursary of up to £45,000, which shall be split equally across the successful recipient’s three-year course at the chosen drama school or regional academies.

There is only ­one bursary available to one recipient for the academic year.

On receiving the funding, the former Ulverston Victoria High School pupil said: “I am honoured and so grateful to receive the Tony Warren Bursary.

“Being the youngest of four, raised single-handedly by our mum, this award has relieved the financial worries I had when planning my move to London to start at RADA, and has enabled me to focus fully on my training.

“It is so reassuring that the lack of funding for disadvantaged young actors in the north west is being addressed, and the Tony Warren Bursary is a wonderful example of the many ways this can be achieved.

“As I am the first recipient of this award, I feel very passionate about sharing its cause and I urge anyone wishing to audition for drama school, but who believes it is financially impossible, to seek such support – and to understand that it is out there, and that it is absolutely possible.”

Richard Butler, assistant head teacher at Ulverston Victoria High School, said Florence’s achievement was outstanding.

He said: “I have known Florrie since she was about eight-years-old, having watched her in primary school productions and concerts, and then welcoming her into year 7 at UVHS.

“I have seen her amazing acting, singing and overall performance skills develop phenomenally over seven years.

“I am not at all surprised that she has won this award – everyone in the Ulverston community who has ever had the experience of seeing/hearing her has known that her destiny lies in the theatre.

“I am sure that those people would wish her every success in the future.

“On a personal level, I am just so hugely proud of what she has achieved so far.”