A PERFORMING arts student from Kirklees College is celebrating winning a bursary that will help him continue training as an actor.

Hemn Kharib, 25, of Thornhill, Dewsbury, has received a £1,000 bursary from the Helena Kennedy Foundation, which supports disadvantaged students through higher education.

Hemn, a Kurdish refugee who has been living in the UK for eight years, has spent three years studying performing arts at the Huddersfield-based college, progressing from the BTec First Diploma to the National Diploma.

His bursary will now help him progress to university, where he plans to start an acting degree course next year.

Hemn said: “It’s fantastic to receive the award.

“It will help me achieve my dream of going to university. I’d like to become a director of dramas and documentaries and perhaps do a little acting in front of the camera.

“I’ve had a lot of support from the college, which has given me a great start to my career.”

Hemn’s performing arts tutor, Martin Aylott, said: “The trustees were overwhelmed with applications for bursaries, so for Hemn to be one of the winners is very satisfying.

“He has been a dedicated student, playing some major roles in our productions.

“He’s made considerable progress in developing his performance skills and also his English. He’s a great person and is set to become a fine actor.”