A TV soap star has praised the acting abilities of youngsters living in and around Whitchurch after hosting auditions for a new short film.

Ian Bartholomew - who many will recognise from his time spent in ITV's Coronation Street - and his wife, Loveday Ingram, welcomed more than 60 children and their families to the auditions held at Shocklach Oviatt Primary School on two dates earlier this month.

The Malpas-based actor, known for playing Geoff Metcalfe in the Manchester-based soap opera, confirmed they are still making their choice for the film, The Sea which is written and directed by Ian and produced by Loveday.

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Ian said: "It was pretty full on. We had to stretch it over two auditions, we did the Saturday and we did more on Wednesday night.

"We were going to do recalls on Wednesday night but we still had to see people.

"We are still in the process of making our choice. We are very close."

Ian and Loveday were pleased with what they saw over both days and he spoke about the tough decisions to be made

He said: "A lot of talented children came. It has been a very difficult decision.

"It is taking a lot longer than we thought it would because we have got such good kids to have to choose from."

Ian mentioned what the role would entail for the child actor.

He added: "It is not just about the acting. It is also whether they can sustain that performance over a couple of days. It will take us a good couple of days to shoot.

"The child actor is the lead actor and in pretty much every shot."

He added: "We have to be careful and give them the breaks they need and we are not overworking them. It is a bit of a juggling act all round.

"But it is one we are having fun with and enjoying ourselves.

"It is great to see such a wealth of talent come through the door."

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Ian was grateful for the support shown by the schools and was pleased to visit Shocklach Oviatt Primary School where he was a governor.

He said: "I was a governor in Shocklach for years and the school has been fantastically helpful.

"My children both went there and have very fond memories of it.

"It is nice to go back through the door and for other people to see it."