An aspiring actor from Bristol who had to back out of filming for the latest Harry Potter film when his mother became ill has received a surprise gift from the producers.

Ben Taverner, of Winterbourne, was sent a letter from Warner Brothers wishing him the best in his future acting career, along with a signed photograph of the lead actors in the films.

The 14-year-old was due to head to London for the filming of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows when his mother, Mo, became unwell and had to go into hospital.

He said that his mum's health came first and stayed behind rather than taking the opportunity to appear in the blockbuster. The Winterbourne International Academy pupil was spotted during a trip to London and invited to be an extra in the film because he had long hair.

He is studying drama for his GCSEs and hopes to one day to act in films.

Ben said: "It would have been great if I had the experience and had the chance to meet the actors, but mum was first above it.

"I would rather she was fine than I be in a movie.

"I was very shocked to receive the letter. I didn't expect anything. It was amazing to receive the autographs."

Ben, who is a member of Bristol School of Performing Arts, has already appeared on television in Magic Grandad and was an extra in a Dr Who Christmas special.

He has also appeared in Joseph at the Bristol Hippodrome.

Ben said: "Acting is really, really important to me.

"I have been doing it since I was about four or five.

"I feel like a completely different person when I'm on stage."

Mrs Taverner, 57, a secretary at Frenchay Hospital, wrote to the producers explaining the circumstances that had caused her son not to attend the filming and they responded by sending the photograph.

She said: "We were all set to go but then I had to go into hospital. I felt really terrible, but Ben did not complain at all.

"We were really shocked to get this photograph and the letter from Warner Brothers wishing Ben luck for his acting career.

"They also said they would keep him on their books.

" I just can't believe that they took the time to write.

"Ben's a huge Harry Potter fan and has seen all the films.

"J K Rowling also went to St Michael's, the same primary school as he did. We are very proud of Ben."

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1 is due out on November 19 next year. Part 2 is due out in July 2011.