AN ACTOR has spoken about how much is life has improved since winning his first international film award.

Steven McGarry from Ulverston won Best Actor in a Student Film at the Reading International Film Festival in Pennsylvania for his role in ‘Silver Planes’.

The film, which also won the Best Student Film award, tells a story of a father struggling to make ends meet over the Christmas period.

Since returning from the US, Mr McGarry said he has been offered a number of new acting opportunities.

He is already filming another film with young director Finley Clifton, who directed ‘Silver Planes’.

This latest piece focusses on homelessness and is set to be entered into The Cannes Festival.

Mr McGarry said: “Filming is going really well and Finley has already said he has new ideas for me which I’m really pleased about.”

Mr McGarry said he has also been accepted in to the Act Up North Drama School.

He said: “I’m very excited to get started, I really am.

“I’m ready to work hard and you never know what could happen in the future.”

Between classes and filming, Mr McGarry will also continue to act at the Dukes Theatre in Lancaster, where he got his start as an actor.

He said: “I’m glad I’m able to stay and keep performing there.”

Mr McGarry will star in a Valentines Day production at the Dukes.

He has also been offered new acting roles, both on stage and in film.

He is set to star in a film by Kris Foster, winner of LA1 Short Film Festival’s Best Film as well as a Pantomime at the Bentham Theatre in February.

Looking back at how quickly things have changed since he returned from America. He said: “Winning the award really has enhanced my life.

“It’s wonderful to work with directors like Finley and Kris.

“I want to do the best I can for as along as I can, anything else is a bonus.”