OUTLANDER star Grant O’Rourke is giving his support to a Borders media project.

The star of stage and screen from Galashiels returned to his roots recently to become patron of VOMO TV - the exciting youth film project which is part of Live Borders.

Grant, who recently won the Best Male Performance Award at the Critics’ Awards for Theatre, plays Rupert Mackenzie in the smash-hit Outlander series and also has a string of further film, television and radio credits to his name.

A former pupil of Galashiels Academy, Grant went on to study acting and performance at the former Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama, now the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland.

Grant told the Border Telegraph: “When I was 15 growing up in Galashiels I would have killed to have something like VOMO in my life.

“I was mad into films and had loads of creative energy but despite trying to make films on a camcorder we didn’t have access to proper equipment or the knowledge that VOMO offers young people.”

VOMO TV, which is based in Galashiels, produces a weekly show full of stories created by youngsters from across the Borders.

The young people involved in the project are excited that Grant O’Rourke is now VOMO’s patron. ‘ David Chipakupaku, 16, told us: “We’re incredibly glad to have Grant on board the good ship VOMO.

“It’s brilliant that he recognises what VOMO offers young people looking to gain experience in the creative industries.”

Grant will be delivering a masterclass in performance at VOMO later this year.

VOMO Project Manager Robert Sproul-Cran added: “VOMO is thrilled that Grant O’Rourke is now our patron.

“Not only is his talent and success an inspiration, his motivation and experience offers fantastic learning opportunities to our young people.”

If you are aged between seven and 25 years of age and would like to take part in VOMO’s weekly media activities contact them via their website to find out more.