SCHOOLBOY Sean Landless went to the pictures last night - not as an ordinary cinemagoer, but as the star of a £3m British movie that film-makers hope will be the next Billy Elliot.

The 15-year-old, from Sunderland, stars opposite Scottish comedian Billy Connolly in Gabriel and Me, which received its world premiere at the Edinburgh International Film Festival.

Sean sat in the audience at the UGC cinema with his family, watching the film for the first time.

Before the premiere he had to face the ordeal of a Press conference with the other stars, including Connolly and Newcastle actress Rosie Rowell, at the city's Sheraton Hotel.

Like the hit film Billy Elliot, Gabriel and Me was penned by Newcastle writer Lee Hall.

Sean's plays an 11-year-old boy who wants to become an angel so he can help his dying father.

Connolly plays the Archangel Gabriel, whose holy help he enlists.

Part of the film was shot in the North-East last summer.

Southmoor School pupil Sean had only done a few scenes as an extra on BBC's Byker Grove before being chosen from several hundred youngsters to play Jimmy.

The worst moment during filming was having to wear a Newcastle United shirt - because he is a Sunderland supporter.

Connolly said: "You should have seen the speed with which he took off the Newcastle shirt every night."

Sean showed up at the conference sporting a Sunderland shirt.

Gabriel and Me director Udayan Prasad said: "What struck me was the amount of talent, especially in the North-East. There are so many terrific kids wanting to be actors - but this guy (Sean) was always there.

"In the end there was no one else who could have done the part."