A five-year-old Sutton schoolgirl with Down syndrome is set to star in a Christmas Day TV special.

Beth, who attends Manor Park Primary School, will feature in period drama series Call the Midwife on BBC One in a few days’ time on December 25.

Based on the memoirs of the late Jennifer Worth, it focuses on a group of midwives in the East End of London during the 1950s and ‘60s.

It includes key events in British history such as the post-Second World War baby boom and the founding of the NHS 70 years ago in July 1948.

Harry Potter star Miriam Margolyes will feature in the eighth series of ‘Call the Midwife’ as Sister Mildred alongside Fenella Woolgar as Sister Hilda and Ella Bruccoleri as Sister Francis.

Little Beth will play the role of Mandy, who is in an orphanage, as Sister Julienne's (Jenny Agutter) future at Nonnatus House remains in the balance.

She has been working with senior midwives at St Helier Hospital, where she was born, to “help improve how an unexpected diagnosis is given and how decisions are better supported,” according to mum Sarah Costerton.

It forms part of a national initiative which aims to provide a perspective of living with Down syndrome in 21st Century Britain.

Sarah said: “Beth makes us proud everyday with all that she achieves. We’re delighted she had this opportunity to be part of such a highly regarded and much loved drama.”

Positive about Down syndrome is a parents-led website which aims to support others who would like to learn more about the condition.

'Call the Midwife' will air on BBC One on December 25 from 7.45pm.

You can find out more about Positive about Down syndrome here.