TUTSHILL School pupil Abbie Hayes has been filming for the lead role in a new CBBC TV drama called The Sparticle Mystery, which starts airing next Monday (6.15pm, February 14).

Abbie, aged 10, attended an open audition for the part but nearly did not get it as the producers were looking for a 12 year-old.

However the disappointment melted when the family heard a week or so later that they had changed their minds and wanted someone younger.

"She went for another audition, and when she heard she had the part she had an absolute ball," said proud mum Michelle Hayes, a doctor at the Yorkley Health Centre.

The Sparticle Mystery is a 13-part drama, and CBBC is showing four episodes a week.

"Abbie's character is called Frankie and we are really proud of her as this was only ever her second audition for something and she has never done anything like this before," said Michelle.

"A lot of the cast have had starring roles on the West End and TV and also in movies. I believe there were about 3,000 children from all over the UK auditioned and 11 main characters chosen."

The series was filmed over three months in the summer on location in Bristol.

It was written by the BAFTA award winning children's writer Alison Hume, produced by Stephen Smallwood and directed by John East and Tim Whitby.

"We went to the premiere at BAFTA house in Picadilly yesterday and the show looks great!" said Michelle

"Abbie attends Tutshill School and the head teacher, Mr Phillips, has been very supportive."