A BUDDING young actor from the Vale has landed his first television role in an upcoming BBC sitcom - alongside acting legend Brian Cox.

Talented Andrew McGunnigle, nine, is all set to appear as an extra in BBC Four's Bob Servant Independent.

Based on a successful radio series and starring Scottish acting legend Brian Cox - star of the Jason Bourne films - it follows Bob Servant, an independent candidate in a town where the sitting MP has just died.

The Christie Park Primary pupil filmed his part around a year ago, after enrolling in classes at a part-time acting school, the UK Theatre School in Glasgow. He lives with his sister Gemma, five, and mum and dad in Davies Drive.

Helen, 45, told the Reporter the school has been a key part in Andrew's success.

She said: "When he auditioned for the part he had only been doing it for five months.

"They have to audition for the school, it's not a case of just signing up, and they were happy to offer him a place.

"They get the option to become members of a casting agency, their name goes on a list, the BBC got in touch with the agency who gave them a book of kids."

Andrew attends classes every Sunday for three hours, and Helen says he hasn't let his first proper role go to his head.

She added: "He was quite cool about it all, he takes it all in his stride, he didn't even say much about it when he came back from it. He told some of his friends, but I don't think he made a big deal of it at school.

"I'm looking forward to seeing him in it, it'll be exciting to see him on the telly for the first time."

Since Andrew's part was filed last year, Andrew has gone to appear in the children's pre-panto at the Mitchell Theatre's in Glasgow to great success. Helen said: "He has had a couple of auditions for two big movies, he got down to the last three for one of them but I think they were looking for someone slightly older.

"He's still learning the audition process and how to sell himself.

"It just depends what agents are looking for.

"I'm not sure how long he'll want to do it for, but if that's what he wants to keep doing then I am happy for him to do it."

Is Andrew ready for his close up though?

He told the Reporter: "I am excited and nervous about seeing myself on TV, mum says I am only allowed to watch the scene I am in and will see the rest when I am older."