BURY'S very own starmaker, Carol Godby, watched with pride when her latest prodigy, Sam Aston, became the youngest person ever to receive a National Television Award.

The 11-year-old, known as little Chesney Brown in Coronation Street, is a member of the Carol Godby Theatre Workshop in Bury.

And by chance, he was presented with the best newcomer award by Bury Boxing Clubs Olympic hero Amir Khan at the star-studded ceremony in the Royal Albert Hall on Tuesday.

Carol, who is also his agent, said: "My stomach was churning, I thought he had a good chance, but you just never know, and I was praying he would win.

"I was overcome with emotion when his name was called out. The whole class watched the awards and cheered. Im surprised the whole of Bury did not hear us!"

Sam found himself up against the likes of Patsy Kensit for the award. Earlier this year he received an OK magazine award for best new talent in which he was chosen over Wayne Rooney.

Sam, who lives in Bacup, has been a member of the theatre workshop for the past six years, through which he landed the role of Chesney and joined fellow workshop members Nikki Sanderson (Candice) and Helen Flanagan (Rosie) on the soap.

"He initially joined because his brothers and sisters were coming and he thought he would give it a go. At first he was quite quiet but after six months he really started to concentrate.

"He quickly became a popular member of the class, even before he joined Coronation Street," said Carol.

In his acceptance speech, Sam said: "I have had a mint year!"

Chesney still attends the workshop with his 14-year-old brother Joseph, who has also appeared in Coronation Street as Tommy Duckworth.