THE principal of a Horsforth theatre school is celebrating ten years as a self-employed franchisee.

Ken Davison was presented with a pair of crystal champagne glasses by Stagecoach director Mansoor Ishani at the company’s annual conference in Chipping Norton.

Ken, who runs Stagecoach schools in Horsforth and Morley, said: “I was originally a teacher, then a bank manager, and never expected to be self-employed. After all those years in the bank, it’s great to be your own boss.”

He added: “It certainly isn’t easy but the highlights outweigh the challenges – when children get TV appearances and parts in touring shows, it’s great. These can be life-changing opportunities that inspire them.

“We’ve also taken the school out to do showcases at West Yorkshire Playhouse and Leeds Town Hall.

“We also have our quiet successes; children who don’t like to sing in public finding they want to do solos, and children who have achieved individual exam grades, sometimes exceeding their hopes.”