ACTOR Sir Ian McKellen has urged young drama students to 'hold on to each other' following the Manchester terror attack.

The celebrated thespian sent a personal message to students of Helen O'Grady Dance Academy at an awards ceremony to recognise students' outstanding performance in their exams — which they took just weeks after the devastating terror attack.

Fourteen students took their drama exams, accredited by Trinity College, London, just over two weeks after the Manchester attack at the Ariana Grande Concert. Many of the students were at the concert or were friends of victims of the terror incident.

Adam Lawler, a member of the Helen O’Grady ‘family’ was seriously injured in the attack.

Sir Ian's video message was played to the young people during the ceremony at the Longfield Suite in Prestwich.

He said: “It’s hard because when I was living in Bolton a long time ago, I did a lot of my theatre-going in Manchester, in Quay Street, the Library Theatre, the Opera House . . . I’m just the sort of kid who might have been at the dreadful event. I want to send everybody at the Helen O’Grady Drama Institute my best wishes, we are all incredibly proud of you. Hold on to each other.”

Principal, Karen Ryder said: "Trinity have been amazing, there were in touch with all exam centres in the area to see if anyone had been affected. Sadly we had.

"Students were offered the option of rescheduling, resitting, or cancelling their exams altogether. This took the pressure off them, and each and every one said no. Drama is what we do, drama is part of our lives, and we will continue to live our lives the way we choose.

"I could not have been prouder to see such strong spirited students up there, gaining special commendation certificates."

Students achieved outstanding marks in their exams and during the evening they performed and they gained a Special Commendation Certificate from Trinity for their distinction exams results. Students from the Royal College of Music and Liverpool Institute of Performing Arts also performed on the night.

Ms Ryder said the highlight of the event was the message from Sir Ian — which also came as a surprise to her — who was unable to make the event in person because it was his opening night in King Lear in London.

Lauren Bromelow, aged 15, from Bolton said: "It was truly a great night. The evening united us all, allowing us to come together for the same reason, showing our love and support for each other and everyone affected by the Manchester attack. It was an unforgettable night."

Kayleigh O’Brien, aged 15, added: "It was a wonderful night of memories for everyone — and we got a message from Gandalf — it’s the highlight of our year. We will never forget it."