A PIONEERING actor hosts the finale of his drama awards programme for teenagers at an Enfield theatre tomorrow.

Rudolph Walker, who plays Patrick Trueman in EastEnders, was inspired to set up his Schools Drama Award to mentor youngsters and help them break into the industry.

Sunday's event at the Millfield Theatre in Silver Street, Edmonton, will see budding actors from schools in Enfield, Haringey and Newham perform plays that they have produced themselves with the help of celebrity mentors.

Mr Walker said: “These youngsters could be lawyers, doctors or even Prime Minister one day.

“Parents take your children's hands and support them – I am a product of a single parent family. If I can do this anyone can.

“Let's all send a powerful message out there of positivity instead of all this negativity.

“If dance and drama can keep at least one youngster off the streets and out of trouble then this is all worthwhile.”

The celebrity judging panel for the plays includes EastEnders star Shane Ritchie and Love Thy Neighbour actress Kate Williams, who will crown one school the overall winner.

Mr Walker was the first black actor to appear in a major British TV show with his breakthrough role as Bill in 1970s sitcom Love Thy Neighbour.

Tickets to the event , which starts at 3pm, cost £5. For more information click