AN AMERICAN-BASED actress returned to her roots to open a drama studio at her former school.

Charlotte Salt, who now lives in Los Angeles, was invited to officially open the new drama facility at St Dominic's Priory School, Stone.

The 24-year-old has just finished shooting scenes for the forthcoming series of Miss Marple, in which she plays wealthy socialite Lady Virginia Revel.

And she is about to head to Washington to shoot the film Below the Beltway, a dark comedy set in the corrupt world of American politics.

Charlotte, from Stone, relived her childhood memories when she visited the Station Road school where she was a pupil.

She said: "It feels a bit strange to be back at school. It's more nerve-wracking than being in an audition with a producer.

"The memories of my schooldays have flooded back, all the things we used to get up to, but it's great to have been invited here to open the new drama studio.

"It's a fantastic facility where pupils will be able to focus.

"Drama is great for everyone, not just for upcoming actresses.

"It's a great confidence builder, which can be used in any walk of life.

"I hope the girls let themselves go and use the new studio to make some magic."

The former Newcastle College student has also starred alongside Jonathan Rhys Meyers in hit BBC drama The Tudors and spent three years as Helen Gilder in TV drama Born and Bred.

Charlotte's first professional role was set in the 1970s, for TV series In A Land of Plenty and she has appeared in several films, including Beowulf, which starred Angelina Jolie.

Pat Adamson, headteacher at St Dominic's Priory, taught Charlotte when she was a pupil at the school.

She said: "We were honoured Charlotte accepted our invitation to officially open the studio, because she is young and vibrant and someone the girls can relate to.

"She is a talented actress and it is fantastic to have a bit of local success.

"Performing arts is so strong at the school that it was a wonderful opportunity for us to convert an old building into a drama studio.

"We hope it will also be of benefit to the whole community when it isn't being used by the girls."

Head girl Abby Swift, aged 17, said: "I remember one break time everyone was fighting for Charlotte's autograph. I was eight years old and she was aged 15. It was a bit surreal to have a famous pupil.

"It's been really nice to have her back at the school for a day."