A BLACKBURN schoolboy is the star of a new anti-drugs film being premiered today.

Chris Hinnigan, 15, from the Audley area, takes a lead role in Reflections, a 60-minute educational film about a group of teenagers who fall into a spiral of drug dealing and addiction.

Chris, who is the deputy head boy at Our Lady and St John’s High School, Blackburn, plays the part of Mikey Logan, who at 16 has been convicted of robbery and drug use.

The film sees him using drugs he is supposed to be selling and struggling to find the money to fund his habit.

When he is cornered by a threatening dealer, Mikey accidentally stabs his own brother who has gone to help.

Chris said: “It’s a sad story really for the character I play.

"He is paranoid throughout the film.”

Filming took place on location in Blackpool and Lancaster during summer last year when Christopher was 14.

He got involved with the project after film company Workshop Productions approached Our Lady and St John’s drama teacher and Hollyoaks star Suzanne Hall looking for young talent.

Chris said: “I auditioned with a monologue and made it to the next stage of auditions held at Lancaster University where I was up against three other lads.

“I’m thrilled to have got the part – it’s pretty amazing for my first big role to be in a feature film like this, but it was nerve-wracking.”

The social drama-turned-thriller looks at how teenagers are stereotyped within society by the clothes they wear and the first impressions they give through a story centering around three college students living in Blackpool.

It was written and directed by 16-year-old Blackpool high school student Ashok Baker.

His talent was noticed when he went to Workshop Productions on work experience.

The film was shot over an intense two week period at a cost of around £10,000.

It will be shown in schools across the North West region and talks are underway to screen it on a BBC channel.

The premier takes place at 11am at the Odeon in The Printworks, Manchester.