EAST Lancashire's 'little star' Alex Bain has won a top soap award.

The Coronation Street star took the accolade of Best Young Actor at the Inside Soap Awards for his portrayal of seven-year-old Simon Barlow.

It was the second year running Alex, of Blackburn, has taken the top prize.

Ale made his debut on the cobbles in 2008 and has ‘captured the public’s imagination’ with his performance as Ken Barlow's grandson, according to TV bosses.

The Griffin Park Primary School pupil saw off competition from the likes of Maisie Smith who plays Tiffany Butcher in Eastenders and Ellis Hollins who appears as Tom Cunningham in Hollyoaks to take the title.

The ITV show’s producers have entrusted Alex with hard-hitting storylines such as a flat fire caused by his drunk father’s cigarette which left Simon unconscious.

His character also went missing while on a trip to Blackpool and was involved in a fight after Aadi Alahan’s parents were investigated for child neglect.

A spokeswoman for Coronation Street said: “Congratulations to Alex from everyone at Coronation Street. He is a real little star and his portrayal of Simon Barlow has really captured the public’s imagination so it is great he has been recognised in this way.”

Alex has appeared in dance shows with Blackburn based Bernese School of Theatre and Dance at Thwaites Empire Theatre.

He was the youngest award winner at the soap magazine's awards night, which saw EastEnders take six gongs to Corrie's four.