A 12-year-old boy has started a drama school in Battersea to motivate his peers to try other things apart from watching television.

Young star of the stage Tosh Wanogho-Maud started the school, based at the LARA community centre, in Clapham Junction, to help children develop their potential.

Every Saturday he helps up to 20 children, aged from five to 12, practice dance routines, as well as drama and singing workshops with the aid of qualified tutors.

He said: "I want to give other kids a chance to have the opportunities I have had in my life, because I am doing things that other children just dream of.

"I want to motivate them to have more in their lives than just watching TV and bring out the abilities embedded within them."

His mother Saz, who grew up in Battersea, said Tosh started the school with money earned from his latest theatrical role in the hit musical The Lion King, because he wanted to help underprivileged children in the area develop theatrical skills.

She said: "I thought it would be nice to have the school in Battersea because there are a lot of children here who would appreciate such a great opportunity."

Tosh has performed since he was cast in Whistle Down the Wind at age six and recently took the lead part of Simba in The Lion King at Londons Lyceum.

October 25, 2001 16:00