SOCCER mad Thomas Aston has become the latest member of the Aston family to land a top acting role in a television drama.

Thomas, 11, of Bankside Close, Bacup will appear in a two-part psychological thriller 'The Butterfly Collectors,' on ITV on April 19 and 20. It is produced by the team that brought crime thriller 'Cracker' to the screen.

And there was plenty of advice on hand from two of his sisters and a brother, all 'veterans' of TV dramas and commercials.

Emily, 17, shot to fame as the precocious daughter of Des Barnes's girlfriend in 'Coronation Street.' She won a BAFTA award in the BBC's Oranges Are Not the Only Fruit and has become a television regular with parts in 'Children's Ward,' 'The Bill' and 'Heartbeat.'

Elizabeth, 13, has appeared in 'Casualty' and Joseph, eight, has roles in 'Peak Practice' and 'The' Bill under his belt. Even grandfather Charles Turner, who is usually chaperon for the children on acting assignments, has been roped in as an extra in several productions.

Thomas, a pupil at Haslingden High School and a big fan of Burnley FC, said there is only one downside to acting. "I sometimes have to miss playing football with my pals because of rehearsals."

Eldest brother Chris, 30, said: "Thomas is just as keen on football as acting, but if he can't lift the FA Cup for Burnley, maybe he can lift an Oscar."

Parents Richard and Janet Aston, who have nine children, pointed out that Rossendale has a remarkable record for television actors.

Jane Horrocks, of 'Absolutely Fabulous' fame and Natalie Casey, of 'Hollyoaks,' are already familiar faces on the small screen.

The four Aston children attend the Carol Godby Theatre Workshop in Whitefield every Saturday.

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