BACUP'S Sam Aston has taken time out of his busy filming schedule to befriend a young cancer sufferer.

The caring youngster, who plays cheeky Chesney in Coronation Street, visited Rose Worrall, eight, after hearing about her rare illness during the summer.

Despite Sam's hectic work and study regime, he now manages to keep in touch with Rose by texting and phoning her.

Sam's dad Richard said young Sam was touched when he heard about Rose's illness.

Rose, who lives in Rochdale with her mum Sue, 39, has a glioma tumour which is extremely rare for children, with only 30 to 40 youngsters developing the cancer each year in the UK.

Sam, 11, who goes to Haslingden High School and recently scooped best newcomer at the National TV Awards, has invited Rose to go round to his family home for tea when she's feeling better.

His dad Richard said: "Sam is very caring and was concerned when he heard about Rose. Since meeting her he likes to keep in touch as he knows how brave she has been.

"He has her number and keeps in contact with her whenever he can. From what Sam's told us we've heard that she is responding well to the treatment that she's been given.

"We all hope that she'll continue with the progress that she's been making."