YOUNG actor Andrew Roberts is dreaming of a life in front of the cameras after landing a part in a major new television drama.

He had only been involved in acting at Withins High School, Breightmet until last year.

But next week he can be seen in a major new BBC drama Occupation, playing opposite screen star James Nesbitt.

The three-part series tells the story of three soldiers involved in the fighting for Basra during the Iraq war and their struggle to adapt to civilian life when they return home.

Andrew, aged 14, plays Richard, the son of Mike — James Nesbitt — a devoted family man, whose life is thrown into turmoil when he falls in love with an Iraqi doctor.

The drama is set in Manchester and Basra, but was filmed at locations in Belfast and Morocco.

Delighted Andrew beat dozens of other young hopefuls to the role after auditioning for the part in London, then he and his dad Neill flew to Belfast in October to begin filming his scenes.

“I got told that James Nesbitt would be in it but I couldn't remember who he was so I had to go on Google and look him up,” said Andrew.

But the star soon put Andrew at ease when he walked into the make up room at 5am on his first day of filming by greeting him with “hello son”.

“He was very funny,” said Andrew. “Even when doing the actual filming we were having a good laugh. I enjoyed it a lot.”

His first steps into the world of professional acting began last summer when Barbara and Christine Orr, from Farnworth-based Orr Theatre Dance Centre and Agency, visited his school looking for new talent.

Andrew, of New Lane, Breightmet, joined their senior drama class and casting agency and was an extra in Waterloo Road before landing the part in Occupation.

And he is looking forward to all his school pals seeing him on screen.

“I am just buzzing about it at the moment,” said Andrew, who hopes his appearance will lead to more television work.

Mentor Barbara Orr said: “It is a great opportunity and a positive experience for a young actor, who has only been with our theatre school and agency for a short time.”

Occupation is aired on BBC One at 9pm on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday next week.