A LISKEARD schoolgirl stars in a new national advert for Cornish ice cream company Kelly's.

Seven-year-old Imogen Early was cast along with two boys from Penzance for a role in the commercial, filmed on the North Cornwall coast.

It is the second time on screen for Hillfort Primary School pupil Imogen, who appeared at just three weeks old as a new-born baby in a German film shot near Truro.

Imogen's dad, Nic Early, explained how the opportunity for Imogen came about: 'I occasionally do extras work for films and TV and I was asked by the casting company if I would be interested in possibly playing the dad in the new Kelly's ice cream ad,' said Nic.

'I asked if they needed any children because I have four daughters . They said they were looking for a seven-year-old girl so Imogen and I went along to the pre-casting shoot in Padstow.'

While Nic was not cast this time, the directors were impressed with Imogen and asked her to come back for a day of filming along with a cast of other local actors.

'The production crew were lucky with glorious weather, obedient animals and enthusiastic children, despite the odds,' joked Nic.

With take after take involving lots of running and eating a lot of ice cream, the day was hard work, but a lot of fun, he said.

'It was a great experience for Imogen, who enjoyed being spoilt by the adult cast and the 40-strong film crew,' said Nic.