AN East Lancashire actor has beaten off competition to play the lead role in a new drama -- set in Blackburn.

'Offside' is an educational series set to be broadcast in January next year.

The fictional show, being made by the BBC children's education department, follows the lives of three young footballers and how their relationship develops and suffers when one of them tries to make it in the Premier League.

The lead part of the drama, being broadcast late at night for teachers to record and show to a class in their own time, is being played by young Blackburn actor, Sushil Chundasama, 24.

Former Witton Park High School pupil Sushil, of Beardwood, said: "It's great to film in Blackburn, but it wouldn't be as good if I hadn't got this part!

"It's a good drama because there is no clear right or wrong, but, hopefully, it will trigger some debate in the classroom."

Sara Feilden, producer of Offside, said: "I think he is going to go a long way. He's really talented."

The programme is intended to show 14 to 16 year old children how young people of different racial backgrounds can be friends, even through difficult times.

Kate Adam, spokesman for BBC Learning, the department responsible for making Offside, said: "It will be filmed on several locations in the Blackburn area, although the drama takes place in a fictional setting.

"The drama highlights the problems of young people from different ethnic backgrounds searching for their own identity in a multi-cultural society and having their loyalties and friendships tested."

The show was written by Roy Williams, who has just won the London Evening Standard award for most promising playwright, for his show 'Clubland.' Filming should start in two weeks, in locations around the town.

One confirmed site is Blackburn Rugby Union Football Club, In Ramsgreave Drive.

Philip Isherwood, administration manager for the club, said: "The BBC are filming here. They just approached us, and we're quite pleased."

Blackburn is no stranger to television fame. Granada spent the summer converting much of Rossendale into the setting for their latest epic, Blood Strangers.

The two-part drama starring Paul McGann and Caroline Quentin, due to be aired early next year.

And in Rawtenstall, star of 'the likely lads' James Bolam, filmed his new series, Heart of the Valley, in August.

Much of the action takes place in a former Rawtenstall mill.