A SCHOOLGIRL from Stoneclough has swapped the classroom for small screen fame.

Charleigh Brierley won praise from soap fans after starring in a special episode of Emmerdale.

The 11-year-old, who attends St James High School in Farnworth, played a young version of long-running character Chas Dingle in the show on Friday night.

It is the first big role for the young girl who dreams of becoming an actress.

Mum Nicola Brierley said: “It was a dream come true for her.

“We went through lots of auditions in Leeds and the last one happened on the first day of high school. Thankfully she got it and the teachers can see how good she is!

“She has been acting since she was five and was absolutely over the moon to get the part. It is something she has always wanted!

“It was quite a big role to take on but everyone was lovely and she got lots of help and advice from the cast.”

The episode was filmed in Leeds in one day and starred alongside fellow young actor James Prentice, aged 12 from Clifton, who played the younger version of the soaps famous ‘bad boy’ Cain Dingle, Chas’ older brother.

In the episode the siblings harrowing past is revealed as Cain and his mother Faith, played by Jeff Hordley and Sally Dexter, visit his childhood home.

It then flashes back to the 1980s as young Cain attempts to protect Chas from and stop his abusive father Shadrach, played by Matt Sutton, from hurting Faith, now played by Fleur Keith, before she abandons the family home for good.

Since hitting the screen it has received plenty of praise from reviewers and television audiences alike.

Charleigh’s family – including her big sister and little brother – all gathered around to watch the show as it aired.

Mrs Brierley adds: “We had a little party at our house and all sat round. She was very nervous and was holding my hand all the way through it.

“She looked brilliant and I showed her the reviews afterwards and she was thrilled to bits. The whole experience has been lovely!”