Tim, who was brought up in Stratford, worked closely with the paper's regular arts editor, Sandy Holt, and wrote a piece about how the area has changed, as well as interviewing local amateur actor Kevin Hand.

His father, Harry Pigott-Smith, was editor of the Stratford Herald from 1962 until his retirement in 1975.

Tim, (pictured left in Jewel in the Crown), said: "I really enjoyed stepping into my father's shoes and working in a busy news room with phones constantly ringing and lots of activity.

"All the staff at the Herald made me feel really welcome, and it made a change from my normal daily routine. And if I haven't got a job at the end of the year… who knows?"

Tim's visit was the first time the Stratford Herald has invited a guest editor to join its team.

Editor Chris said: "It was great fun to welcome to such a prestigious actor to the Stratford Herald.

"I've been impressed by Tim's perceptive insights into various aspects of the arts, and haven't spiked any of his copy.

"My only regret is that as he has to be on stage every evening, he hasn't been able to review any of the many amateur productions in and around Stratford-upon-Avon."

Tim's work is published in this week's edition of the Herald.