HIGH-flying success came for one of Hereford Courtyard's newest recruits this autumn.

Seventeen-year-old Matt Evans, who went to Haywood High School, passed the week-long intensive training course at The University of Warwick with flying colours.

The course, approved by the Association of British Theatre Technicians, covers all aspects of backstage work, including manual handling, flying and electronics.

Matt, whose ambition is to become a chief lighting technician on the international touring circuit, has already utilised his new skills at The Courtyard, where he was the production electrician on both of its recent in-house productions.

"Everyone here at the venue is delighted for Matt," said Courtyard chief executive Martyn Green. "To have achieved so much in the three months since taking up his position is testament to both his professional attitude and some very hard work."