An emerging comedy writer and actress is in New York after being selected to take part in a talent programme.

Former Ilkley Grammar School pupil Ruth Pickett is one of 46 emerging British writers, actors, directors and producers picked for the Old Vic New Voices exchange programme organised by Oscar-winning actor Kevin Spacey, who is the artistic director of the Old Vic Theatre in London.

Mrs Pickett, who was nominated for an International Emmy Award last year for an internet comedy series Printfriends, has written a ten-minute comedy to be performed in New York.

The 28-year-old, who now lives with her husband in London, has written dark comedy A Handful of Dust.

Her mother, Jan Millard, said her daughter had also acted in several television comedies including My Family, and in a sketch on Harry Hill’s TV Burp, and has performed her own show at the Edinburgh Fringe.

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