Mirfield-born Star Trek and Hollywood actor Patrick Stewart made an emotional return to his roots yesterday, recalling the days when he first trod the boards in the town. He was giving a special one-man charity show in the area last night at Dewsbury Town Hall. Examiner reporter JANE YELLAND caught up with him.

Patrick, 63, however, was keen on the drama club, run by Cecil Dormund, who taught him English at school. The pair are still in contact

"He mentioned to me about becoming a professional actor."

The club, on Greenside Lane, is a former malt kiln given to the youth of the town by a local spinster. It is now derelict.

"It always looked like it was falling down," said Patrick. "It never looked a warm or welcoming place."

The area where he used to rehearse was also a gymnasium.

"Fitness was very much a part of the activities there," he said.

"Nobody had a computer, or a TV or a video. It was the primary source of recreation."

As a seasoned actor, he is comfortable on the stage. But before doing his one-off show in Dewsbury last night, he admitted being a little anxious.

"I do not normally suffer from nerves," he said. "But since this morning I have been feeling decidedly on edge. It's something about coming here to perform.

"I want to do it well and get it right, and strike the right note for the evening, as I have never done this before."