A former Keighley man has landed one of the most coveted stage roles in the West End.

Simon Shorten is one of the youngest actors to play leading man Jean Valjean in the musical Les Miserables.

He is officially in a minor role but plays Valjean when the usual actor is poorly or on holiday.

Simon, 24, ages over several decades as he portrays the tragic former convict's story.

Sam's father Steven Shorten was delighted to see his son playing Valjean during a recent visit to London. (January) He expected to see Simon in the chorus but coincidentally that day the leading man was ill.

Stephen, manager of Keighley Community Transport, said: "It was absolutely fantastic -- it was so magical for me.

"He does his own make-up for most of the show as he ages. He really did look good."

Simon will soon spend a fortnight playing Valjean when the actor, was. Was that, but on holiday.

As a teenager Simon appeared in many amateur musicals with groups including Bradford Youth Players and Guiseley Barnstormers.

He went on to study at the Guildford School of Acting in London, and after graduating in 2007 performed in Stephen Fry's pantomime Cinderella. He then auditioned for Les Miserables and joined the production last May, soon understudying for major characters.