we are beyond indebted to him - he's changing the students' lives

John Ruskin

He originally visited the school to give a talk to students after being asked to by a friend.

The school's founder John Ruskin said: "It's unheard of for someone of his stature to offer to do this. That's part of what makes it so amazing."

The school has 115 students and Hopkins lectures a masterclass to those who have finished the two-year basic course.

'Wonderful feeling'

The Welsh actor said he give the lessons because he enjoys himself.

"It's a wonderful feeling to see somebody suddenly opening up," he said.

I feel I can help out a bit and give encouragement because it's a tough business

Sir Anthony Hopkins

Mr Ruskin added: "He could be doing anything he wants and he's offering himself to our school and our students.

"We are beyond indebted to him - he's changing the students' lives."

He said the star of Silence of the Lambs, Hannibal and Meet Joe Black teaches three to five hours each week unless he is away.

"He teaches everything from monologues to Shakespeare to Chekhov and helps the students understand how to work on a piece.

"He talks about theory and things he learned as a young actor."

'Intuitive'

He described the star as "humble and noble".

"There's nothing about him that says he is a big movie star," he added.

Hopkins said: "I feel I have an intuitive thing about actors, especially younger actors. I feel I can help out a bit and give encouragement because it's a tough business."

The actor is currently filming Red Dragon, the remake of the original Hannibal Lecter movie in which Hopkins will once again play the terrifying psychiatrist.