HOLLYWOOD star Orlando Bloom popped back to his Canterbury roots - and gave the thumbs-up to plans for the new Marlowe theatre, where he started his career.

The Pirates of the Caribbean star - also a Marlowe patron - was given a tour of the theatre by its director Mark Everett and shown the latest plans for the new £25 million landmark arts centre.

Speaking during his visit, Orlando, 31, said: "I made my first appearance at the Marlowe Theatre when I was very young. That early exposure, along with appearances at the Kent Festival, drama classes and school plays, fuelled my confidence and ambition to go into the acting world.

"I cannot emphasise enough the importance of giving young people the opportunity to get involved in theatre and acting.

The exciting plans for the New Marlowe Theatre will do just that and present a wonderful opportunity to inspire and enthuse the young people of Kent and develop the talent of tomorrow."