Edward Cooke may be only eight years old but he is already becoming a veteran of stage and screen.

The youngster, from Thackley, appeared in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang at the Alhambra this year and now he has landed a role in the UK tour of Mary Poppins.

Edward will play Michael Banks, one of the children the magical nanny looks after.

Edward has been a pupil at Stage 84 in Idle for five years and has appeared in such TV dramas as Heartbeat and The Royal as well as TV commercials and a stage production of Beauty and the Beast.

“He had to go for three intense auditions before landing the role in Mary Poppins,” said Stage 84 principal Valerie Jackson.

“He has done so well, it’s a big role in a major professional production.

“He starts rehearsals in August and will go on a six-month tour with the show.”