A YOUNGSTER has kick-started a life of stardom after appearing in one of the most anticipated films of the year.

Ramsbottom schoolboy Frank Skillin won a speaking role in The Damned United, which was released in cinemas on Friday.

The four-year-old features alongside some of the industry’s most distinguished actors as a young Nigel Clough, son of football legend Brian, in the film about the controversial manager’s time at Leeds United.

Frank, who attends Peel Brow Pre-School, was aged just three when he spent two days filming the part in Delph, near Oldham, last summer.

Based on the novel by Red Riding author David Peace, the film tells the story of Clough’s doomed 44 day reign at the club in the 1970’s, and stars Frost/Nixon actor Michael Sheen.

Frank’s mum, Kelly Skillin, said filming had been a fantastic experience.

She said: “Michael Sheen was just fantastic on set and he really spirited the children on.

“Not all actors are like that but he was really hospitable and he looked after Frank because they built up a close relationship and Frank got accustomed to calling him Dad.”

The movie also stars Harry Potter actor Timothy Spall and Jim Broadbent, known for his roles in Bridget Jones’s Diary and Moulin Rouge.

It is the first screen appearance for Frank, who is signed to Manchester’s Utopia modelling agency, but his family is hoping it will start the ball rolling on a dazzling career.

Mrs Skillin added: “The producer told us Frank had the loudest laugh out of all the children.

"We are so proud of him.”