Bradford actor Duncan Preston says if it wasn't for the Priestley Centre he would probably be a lorry driver today.

Duncan was a teenager, bored with his job, when he discovered the Little Germany theatre back in the mid 1960s.

While performing on stage at the Priestley he was spotted by a drama teacher who encouraged him to consider acting professionally.

"He gave me an application form for RADA. I got a place and that was that," said Duncan, who went on to enjoy a long and successful career on stage and screen.

Now he has joined the fight to save the Priestley, which is trying to keep solvent by the end of the month.

Duncan, a former Bradford Grammar School pupil who was born in Eccleshill, has starred in many TV roles, including the sitcom Surgical Spirit and as one of Victoria Wood's regular band of actors.

He starred alongside Wood in her hit sitcom dinnerladies, spoof soap opera Acorn Antiques, and the film Pat and Margaret.

Duncan says Victoria put him on the map by offering fantastic roles - but he credits the Priestley for launching his acting career.

"Acting had never been an option for me when I was a kid. I'd worked at my dad's haulage firm and at the Halifax Building Society but I was bored with both.

"The Priestley, or Civic as I know it, gave me a purpose. I found something I could do and I've been lucky enough to make a living out of it. If it wasn't for that place, I'd probably have ended up a lorry driver.

"The standards were very high. I learned a lot about acting, it was very character-forming.

"I loved being there, there was a real buzz about it all. Friday nights in the bar were great fun!

"It played a big part in my life and I've got a lot to thank it for. I'm very sad to hear of its current problems."

Duncan visits the Priestley during his regular trips back to Bradford and maintains contact with some of its members.

The Priestley's recent production of The Cherry Orchard was its make or break show. The Telegraph & Argus campaign helped to make it a success and the theatre is on its way towards hitting its £10,000 target.

Duncan recalls playing the stationmaster in a production of The Cherry Orchard back in 1965, alongside Gorden Kaye, who starred in 'Allo, 'Allo.

"The Priestley was a terrific grounding for an acting career. It gave a lot of well-known actors a start in life. I really hope it stays around, to give future actors the same chance."