YOUNG actor Luke Davidson will join a famous cast as he takes on a lead role in the musical Elf later this year.

Luke, 12, from Cockenzie, has won the part of Michael, the boy who doesn't believe in Santa Claus, and will go on tour in December alongside singer David Essex and actress Martine McCutcheon.

The Preston Lodge High School pupil is already in rehearsals for the dream role and mum Julie said the whole family are behind the youngster as he follows his dream.

Julie said: "Luke joined Musical Youth after a carer at his afterschool club suggested it was something he would enjoy and things have grown through that.

"We still have to pinch ourselves when we say he is appearing with Martine McCutcheon and David Essex, it is a fantastic opportunity for him."

Luke, who lives with parents Julie and Steven and little sister Summer in Cockenzie, joined Musical Youth Drama Group when he was eight years old and has been a member of Pauline Quirke Academy (PQA) for two years.

He is also a member of Forth Children's Theatre (FCT).

And he is kept busy appearing in two shows at the Edinburgh Festival this month – Persephone by PQA and Sister Act by FCT.

The youngster, who also has an older sister Robyn, will join Elf the Musical when it goes on tour in December kicking off with shows in Cardiff and ending in Nottingham.

He auditioned through the PQA and will share the demanding role with four other young actors over the tour, opening it in Cardiff and finishing the tour in Nottingham.

Luke has performed at the London West End taking on the title role of The Lazy Ace at Her Majesty's Theatre, last November and he recently attended a boys scholarship week at the prestigious MGA Academy in Edinburgh.

His favourite actor is Jack Lemmon and he says his biggest fan is his grandfather.

Mum Julie, who works as a PA at Edinburgh University, said the tour is the first time Luke will be away on an extended trip.

She said: "I will chaperone Luke when he is on tour. It is the first time he has had to be away for any length of time with a show so it is new to us but the school and my work have been very supportive and understanding.

"Who knows what could come from it. Luke really enjoys performing and we are delighted he is experiencing these opportunities."