A teenager from Pinner is following in the footsteps of acting greats after his talents were recognised the American Academy of Dramatic Arts.

Sam Page was named as best actor by the New York school, winning its Charles Jehlinger award.

Mr Page won the Schubert scholarship two years ago to attend the world famous American Academy of Dramatic Arts.

He was the first pupil to ever achieve 100 per cent in his audition and as a result was awarded the first ever Schubert Scholarship which covered all of his tuition fees to study in New York.

The budding star, who is now nearly 20 graduated last week, and along with his degree, he scooped the academy's top award.

Previous winners of the Charles Jehlinger award include Robert Redford, Spencer Tracey, Kim Cattrall, Paul Rudd and Anne Hathaway.

The award is given to the student who developed most "as a person as well as an artist" and "who displays a profession attitude towards the art".

Mr Page said he had enjoyed his experience in America and gained enormously as a person and an actor from leaving home and travelling to New York.

He was overwhelmed to have received the Charles Jehlinger award, which came as a "bolt out of the blue".

He said: "I’m so proud and delighted to have been awarded this, especially as some of the greatest names in the industry have received this ahead of me, and I am going to use this to spur me on in their footsteps."

The award has already open doors for potential plays on Broadway this summer, meanwhile, Mr Page is due back in London this month, as he is currently auditioning for various Top Drama schools in London.

American Academy of Dramatic Arts' director of instruction, Constantine Scopas, said: "Sam is a consummate professional already, I am anxious to see what heights he climbs to once out of the academy."

Mr Page's former head teacher at West Lodge Primary School in Pinner, Kim James, also congratulated the 19-year-old prodigy.

She said: "Sam was a pupil at West Lodge Primary School from 2005 to 2007.

"From day one it was obvious that Sam for destined for the stage, he was a real character who was an asset to any class assembly or school production.

"We are proud to say he was a pupil at our school and wish his all the luck in the future."

The American Academy of Dramatic Arts was founded in 1884 as the first conservatoire for actors in the English speaking world.

Charles Jehlinger was one of the first graduates, and went on to teach stars such as Edward G Robinson, Rosalind Russel, Grace Kelly, Jason Robards and Kirk Douglas.

The memory of Charles Jehlinger, as director of instruction for over 50 years, is honoured by the academy and accredited with the following quote, being the basis upon which the award is relevant to the school and its teachings.

"The art of acting is without limits. You need to understand all of human nature, the sense of beauty of the artist and the poet, the sense of rhythm of the dancer and musician, the mentality of a philosopher and scientist. It is the universal art."