YOUNG performers from Frinton are rubbing shoulders with movie stars after clinching roles in some major motion pictures.

Lily Blackwell, 10, Sam Lake, 12, and Ellen Coleman, 13, have all taken steps towards stardom after securing small roles in a series of high profile films.

The youngsters are all part of Frinton performance school Stagestruck Academy.

And they have been filming at locations all across the country, performing on set with some a-list stars.

All three youngsters were picked for parts in sea-bound epic In the Heart of the Sea.

The film, set to hit screens in 2015, stars Chris Hemsworth and Cillian Murphy, and is directed by two-time Oscar winner Ron Howard.

Sam and Lily have also been filming at the famous Pinewood Studios for a live-action adaptation of classic fairytale Cinderella.

They will appear opposite a host of big names, including Cate Blanchett and Helena Bonham-Carter.

And 12-year-old Sam will complete a trio of star turns by featuring in 2015 feature Mortdecai.

The film features a star-studded cast including Johnny Depp, Ewan McGregor, Gwyneth Paltrow and Paul Bettany.

Stagestruck principal Simone Castle said: “We are really proud of them and proud of our track record in helping the youngsters follow their dreams.”