I have just finished playing the role of Frank in a production of Educating Rita at Hereford's wonderful Courtyard Theatre.

I wanted to write to convey my appreciation for the enthusiasm and commitment shown by the Courtyard towards local Arts, and for the friendliness and courtesy of local theatregoers.

The standards of production shown by the theatre are extremely high - and put many larger cities to shame.

The aims and policies practised by the theatre are more than enough to attract actors from television like myself and co-star Zoie Kennedy, star of ITV's The Royal.

We worked in a beautiful city, in a building with great facilities, with wonderful staff - and were part of an organisation that integrates superbly with its local community, as evidenced by a thriving youth policy.

I have left with Hereford in my heart, and a desire to inform fellow professionals of the extraordinary achievements of your local Arts Centre.

I only hope that Herefordshire people realise what they have on their own doorstep!

Familiarity can breed contempt in the best communities. In the Courtyard's case this would be most unjust - as I feel their values and efforts are truly putting Hereford Arts on the national map.

Stephen McGann,

Queen Caroline Street, Hammersmith, London.