A TEENAGE actor with roots in the Amman Valley is making a name for himself in a popular television series.

Thomas Rhys Jones, 14, plays Edmund Timmins in the BBC costume drama Lark Rise to Candleford.

The young thespian is the son of Julian Jones, formerly of Brynaman, and grandson of Delyth Jones and the late Eric Jones – who appeared in Pobol y Cwm – of Glyn Road, Brynaman.

Thomas, who lives in Almondsbury, attends Bristol Cathedral Choir School.

“I relate to Edmund in a few ways,” he said. “He’s the same age as me and he’s a pretty opinionated character who has some strong views and isn’t afraid to argue them.”

Thomas started acting in Lark Rise when he was 12 but has always had an interest in drama. He landed a part in a probation service film for young offenders and also appeared in soap Doctors.

He was put up for Lark Rise by the ITV West Television Workshop but didn’t realise just how big it would be.

“When I got to the audition it was in a warehouse in Yate, so I didn’t think it would be a big thing,” said Thomas.

Now the show regularly attracts audiences of 6.8 million viewers. In the first series he acted with Dawn French and now, in series three, with Julia Sawalha.

“It was scary at first but they are pretty normal people,” he said. “Dawn French cracked a lot of jokes and she looked after all the kids.”

Lark Rise has a gruelling six-month filming schedule and can take up two to three days of Thomas’ week.

Just what do Thomas’ friends think of his career?

“They don’t really watch Lark Rise but they’re jealous of all the time I have off school,” he said.