Meet Del’s boy!

Photo: Picture by ANTHONY MILLER

ALL smiles . . . Edward Ackroyd

Edward gets film nod from director Sir David

LITTLE star Edward Ackroyd is heading for the big screen.

The Denshaw six-year-old, who has a rare muscle-wasting disease, was picked for his cute looks to appear in a short film to debut at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival in May.

He stars as the son of the main character, played by actor Adrian Dunbar, in a 25-minute off-beat comedy, directed by Sir David Jason.

The Delph Primary School pupil rubbed shoulders with the stars during filming for “All The Way” including Sir David — famed for his role as Del Boy in “Only Fools and Horses”.

Co-producers Shane Hamill and Ben Sweet asked Edward to be in the film.

Shane said: “He was fab, just like a little movie star and I will definitely use him again.

“We picked him because he is the cutest little boy I know.”

Proud mum Heidy said: “Everyone was wonderful with him, and David Jason was lovely.

“Edward was unbelievable, it was a wonderful experience for him. He is really well at the moment and is enjoying school. He’s still on his medication, but he is coming on leaps and bounds.”

Shane, who lives in Rochdale and developed his love of the stage with Oldham Theatre Workshop, met Edward and his family three years ago when he first helped them with a fund-raising event.

He and Ben have since become firm friends with the family, and last year Shane co-wrote a song “Never Say Goodbye” to raise money for research into the youngster’s condition, Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy.

Everyone involved with the film has given their time for free.

Shane said: “People have come together to help us achieve our dream of making a film. It’s something I’ve never heard of, especially in this economic climate.”

Also in the cast is Chris Chittell, better known as “Emmerdale” star Eric Pollard.

The story is about a businessman (Adrian) whose life changes when he meets a hotel bell-boy in Huddersfield.

The film will be submitted to the Cannes film festival, and selectors will decide next month if it will be shown in May.