MEET William Ray - the schoolboy who is about to become a sweet-toothed star.

The 12-year-old is the latest child actor to saddle up his horse and take on the iconic role of the Milkybar Kid in a multi-million pound advertising campaign, which hits our TV screens this week. William got into character when he visited the Nestlé Rowntree factory in York, where the white chocolate snacks are made. The £6 million campaign is promoting a new-style Milkybar, made from all natural ingredients, with a real-life Kid starring for the first time in 20 years.

"It's really exciting, but I'm also a bit nervous. I can't believe so many people will see this advert," said William, from Buckinghamshire, who was picked from hundreds of candidates to play the Kid.

"The Milkybars are really nice and all my friends love them as well."

William's mother Mandy said: "It's a fantastic experience for him and he seems so at home with it all.

"This is his first major acting role, so what a way to start!"

In the ads, the Milkybar Kid is seen riding his horse through a wood, with the noises of nearby animals making up his famous theme tune.

"We wanted to bring the character back as people remember him and jog the memories of mums, dads and grandparents about a brand they enjoyed as children," said Nestlé Rowntree marketing director David Rennie.

"William is a natural as a 21st century Milkybar Kid and we hope the campaign, highlighting the brand's move to all natural ingredients, will make parents even more confident in choosing it for their children."