And for Ronan Carter of Bailiff Bridge this is an incredible achievement because he has to deal with dyslexia and learning the script can present its own difficulties.

The 13-year-old who attends Stardom School of Performing Arts in Shelf attended an audition in Leeds where he performed part of the script in front of the Yorkshire actor and 'The Full Monty' star to land the role.

The drama, which tells the story of 12-year-old Danny who is hiding a secret as he is forced to take over the mantle of head of the family from his sick mother, will be the first time he has acted in front of the cameras.

The aspiring actor competed against talented boys from all over the north of England for around five hours before being offered the part.

Ronan, who has been acting since he was seven, said he was 'really excited' about his role.

"I can't wait. I'm always reading my script - I'm really looking forward to it," he said. "Because of the dyslexia it is difficult but I've had lots of support from my family. My mum reads the script to me and I read it back."

He said the auditions were nerve-wracking. "I want to be a really good actor and become famous and sitting there in front of me was a really really good actor. But I did it and it was life changing."

To help him overcome his reading difficulties Ronan's mum Caroline printed out the script in slightly larger type on blue paper which prevents the words from moving around.

She said: "It is a big achievement for Ronan because he is dyslexic, but he doesn't let that get in the way."

Ronan spent a couple of days listening to his mum read out the script while he memorised the words.

But Ronan is determined his dyslexia will not get in the way of his dream of becoming an actor and his mum is doubly proud of him.

"He might just need a bit longer than the next boy but he gets there," she said. "It didn't seem to faze him on the day. He'd learned his script and knew his lines."

Mrs Carter said Ronan was a born entertainer and loved to entertain people. "He has always wanted to be an actor. He said to me the other day if I can't act I will just do pantomime," she said. "This role really is a dream come true for Ronan. He is just about coming down from cloud nine at the minute. He is really excited."

Ronan will begin filming for 'Mam' in Sheffield in February when he will also be performing in Stardom's forthcoming production of 'Razzle Dazzle 'em 2010' at the Victoria Theatre in Halifax on February 18-20.

Liz Davies, who runs the performing arts school in Shelf said landing the role was an incredible achievement for Ronan.

"The first time he came to Stardom he just starred. You just know when somebody has something special about them," she said.

Another Stardom student, Charlie Street, will be appearing in 'Mam' as Ronan's characters brother.

A nationwide campaign 'My Way', which will focus on improving attitudes to children with special educational needs as well as building self-esteem, was launched at Number 10 Downing Street.

The campaign has been organised by children's newspaper First News in association with The Teaching Awards, Walker Books and the Department for Children, Schools and Families in support of the Achievement For All programme.

Henry Winkler, best known for his role as 'The Fonz' in Happy Days is championing this campaign to help raise awareness and understanding of the needs of children with special educational needs.

The actor, 64, who was not diagnosed with dyslexia until he was 30, agreed to front the drive because of his own experiences.

The star who appeared on ITV's GMTV said he struggled to learn scripts. "I had to go over it and over it so I didn't make a fool of myself. I cannot read out loud."

He added: "Children learn differently and every child has got something good in them and there's a tremendous prejudice between intellect and the children who are really good at vocational."