A decade ago he landed a role in one of the world’s biggest movies, as a ten-year-old pupil at the Scala Kids Performing Arts School.

Now Matthew Lewis, who plays Neville Longbottom in the Harry Potter movies, has returned to Scala as guest of honour at the end-of-year awards ceremony. Horsforth actor Matthew was guest of honour at the ceremony, held at Batley’s Frontier Club. More than 70 children, aged between five and 18, appeared in a cabaret performance, which was followed by a presentation of trophies to some of the 300-plus children who attend the school, celebrating their achievements over the year.

Matthew took a break from promoting the final Harry Potter film, Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows, to thrill the children as the surprise guest.

The award for Scala Kid of the Year went to Sophie Downham, who has just completed a run playing young Cosette in the 25th anniversary tour of Les Miserables.

She also starred in award-winning ITV drama Unforgiven. Sophie’s younger brother, Jack, who played the young Robin in Ridley Scott’s movie Robin Hood, and plays Noah Tate in Emmerdale, won the junior Performing Arts award.

Other award winners included Chloe Campbell, Chloe Proctor, Charlotte Thornton and Bethany Hare.