BRADFORD schoolboy Zachary Sutcliffe is taking to the skies this Christmas, playing Peter Pan in a new television adaptation of the children's classic.

The 14-year-old, known as Zac, stars opposite Oscar nominee Stanley Tucci as Captain Hook and singer/actress Paloma Faith as Tinkerbell in Peter and Wendy, a new re-imagining of JM Barrie's timeless story.

The two-hour drama, a highlight of the ITV festive season, re-interprets the story for a modern age while remaining faithful to the spirit of the original.

Alongside familiar characters such as Peter, the boy who never grew up, and his nemesis Captain Hook are new characters played by Bjarne Henriksen, star of Danish noir thriller The Killing, and Ben Crompton from Game of Thrones.

The drama opens in contemporary Great Ormond Street Hospital where 12-year-old Lucy Rose (Hazel Doupe, who also plays Wendy) is awaiting treatment for a serious heart condition. Her mother Julie (Laura Fraser, also doubling up as Mrs Darling) is distraught with the fear of losing her child, and surgeon Mr Wylie (Stanley Tucci, who also plays Hook) assures her he will do everything in his power to make the operation a success.

The day before her operation, Lucy reads JM Barrie’s novel Peter Pan to a crowd of sick children in the hospital, and later falls asleep with thoughts of the tale in her head. She dreams this version of Peter Pan, told through the young girl’s imagination.

The story cuts back and forth between Lucy’s modern-day struggles and the fantasy land of Neverland, with the common theme being positivity and belief.

Zac, a pupil at Tong High School, has an exciting 2016 coming up. He also stars in Sacha Baron Cohen's new film, Grimsby, alongside Penelope Cruz, Mark Strong and Rebel Wilson.

Zac, of Holme Wood, studies drama at the Bradford-based Yorkshire School of Acting.

Principal Matt Zina revealed that Grimsby producers were so impressed with him they created an extra role for him.

Two other students, Jonjon Lockwood and Gabriel Palmer, also have roles in the big screen comedy about a British spy and his football hooligan brother, due for release early next year.

Filming took place in South Africa, prior to Zac landing the role in Peter and Wendy, which was filmed in Luxembourg.

"He had the time of his life, sword fighting and flying," said Mr Zina.

"Zac is one of the most exciting acting talents I have seen."

l Peter and Wendy is on ITV on Saturday, Boxing Day, at 8pm.