A SCHOOLBOY from the North-East was mingling with the stars on the red carpet at the premier of a new blockbuster film last night.

Luca Franglen was excused studies at Durham Chorister School for the day to attend the UK launch of James Cameron's highly acclaimed sci-fi movie Avater.

The eight-year-old from South Tyneside joined stars Sigourney Weaver, Sam Worthington and Zoe Saldana among the 3,000 guests at the special screening at The Odeon in London's Leicester Square.

It marked his small part in the production, as angelic-voiced Luca, whose full name is appropriately Luciano, sings on the soundtrack by James Horner.

He can be heard on track five on the sound track CD, a song titled: 'Becoming One With The People; Becoming One With Ney'tiri'.

Before setting off for London with his proud parents, Luca said: "It was very exciting to sing on the film and to see all the pictures I was singing along to."

Although he performs in the school choir and its smaller Galilee Choir, he is not one of the choristers in the choir at neighbouring Durham Cathedral.

His music teacher, Jennifer Tasker, said: "We have 210 pupils here and although a small number get the chance to sing with the cathedral choir, the fact is that a lot of the other boys are extremely good singers in their own right.

"We're delighted for him and hope he enjoys his moment in the spotlight," she added.

Luca, who has been at the school since he was five, expects to be the centre of attention when he returns on Monday.