A YOUNG actor will swap the stage for the big screen after landing a mystery role in the new Harry Potter film.

Taylor Triphook, 11, was over the moon to be chosen to star alongside Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint and Emma Watson.

But Warner Bros are keeping his role a secret - he won't find out more about his character until he starts filming in September.

Taylor said: "I can't wait to see and take part in such a huge film with so many famous actors.

"My dream is to perform on the West End stage and hopefully this will bring me closer."

Taylor found out about the role last Friday and his parents immediately arranged for him to have time off from St Thomas of Canterbury Catholic Primary School, in Grays, for filming.

Proud dad, Tony, 53, of Meesons Lane, Grays, said: "Warner Bros won't tell us what part he is playing but he had to get permission to take the time off school.

"We're so proud of him.

"He has been so close before and was a reserve on Les Miserables.

He also narrowly missed out on a role in The Sound of Music."

Taylor hones his singing, acting and dancing talents at the Sylvia Young Theatre School in London, where Corringham celebrity Denise Van Outen was a student.

He will film his scenes for the sixth installment of the series, called Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince, over a six-month period in Hertfordshire.

The film will follow Harry in his sixth year at Hogwarts as Lord Voldemort and his death eaters are wreaking havoc throughout the wizarding world.