A Bradford youngster has been taking flying lessons with Jet, alias Diane Youdale, from TV show Gladiators.

Thomas Mason, aged eight (pictured, left, with his friend Scott Kay) landed the part of Michael Darling in The Adventures of Peter Pan, which is currently running at Leeds Grand Theatre and Opera House.

Thomas's role has involved learning to fly with the aid of a harness and wires as well as mastering lines and song lyrics.

The high flyer is to appear in the show on alternate nights, as two teams of boys are taking it in turns to play the Darling brothers and the Lost Boys.

Thomas, of Radfield Drive, Staygate, who attends St Winifride's Roman Catholic Primary School, Wibsey, and is a pupil at the Stage 84 drama school in Bradford, said: "I have really enjoyed the rehearsals.

"The best bit is flying with Jet, who plays Peter Pan. She's good because she can do lots of cartwheels in a line."

His mum Clare said: "Thomas only found out he would be in the pantomime two weeks ago so he has had to put a lot of work in.

"I was quite nervous about the flying part at first but the technicians are very professional.

"Thomas is thrilled to be taking part in the show although he doesn't think much of his costume."

While this is Thomas's first major theatrical role his brother Jonathan, aged five, who is also a pupil of Stage 84, is no stranger to show business. He has appeared in a Hans Christian Andersen performance and a production of Barnum.

Also starring in the Peter Pan production are Alvin Stardust as Captain Hook, Martin Daniels as Smee and winner of Stars in Their Eyes, Ian Moor, as Pirate Sharkie.

Stage 84 is providing all the Lost Boys as well as Michael and John Darling for the production.

Thomas's friend Scott Kay, 10, of Bankfoot, Wibsey, who also attends Wibsey Primary School, is among the Lost Boys troupe.

The Adventures of Peter Pan continues until Saturday.