Seven-year-old British schoolboy joins Russell in Robin Hood

Starring opposite Hollywood hunk Russell Crowe is an opportunity rising stars may only dream of, but for Leeds-born youngster Jack Downham, his wish has been granted at the tender age of seven.

An entertainment business veteran - Jack has already appeared on screen in ITV's Heartbeat - the youngster has been picked to play the young Robin Hood in Russell's forthcoming movie after attending two auditions which, at the time, he didn't realise were for such a prestigious role.

“I was very happy when my mum told me I had got the role. I like Robin Hood and I know quite a lot about the story,” says Jack.

Filming of the Ridley Scott-directed blockbuster, which also stars Cate Blanchett, is due to take over much of a Pembrokeshire beach for the next fortnight. A cast and crew of over 800, plus 130 horses, have descended on the area to shoot a major battle scene at Freshwater West - a location also used in the final film of the Harry Potter series.