EWAN'S LITTLE STAR

FILM star Ewan McGregor has picked a sick five-year-old girl as his latest co-star.

Brave Orla Machin stole the Scot's heart when he met her earlier this year.

Orla, from Alva, Clackmannanshire, suffers from Edward's Disease, an incurable genetic disorder which causes death in almost all babies before they reach just two months.

Star Wars hero Ewan, 32, visited Rachel House children's hospice in Kinross, Perthshire, for two days to spearhead a campaign to build a much-needed second hospice.

And he was so taken by curly-haired Orla that he picked her to take part in a fundraising film directed by and starring him.

The bubbly girl is due to be seen in cinemas around Britain alongside the Trainspotting star in a bid to raise pounds 10million for the new hospice in Balloch, Dunbartonshire.

Orla's mum Maria, 40, said she couldn't believe her eyes when the heartthrob actor approached her to ask for her permission to film her daughter.

She said: "I was chatting to the nurses and they said there was someone who wanted to speak to me. When I turned round and saw Ewan McGregor I couldn't believe my eyes.

"He was really friendly and we agreed straight away - but Orla took no convincing whatsoever. She was infatuated with him and he bonded with her immediately.

"She sat on his knee and they just chatted and played."

The film shows Orla reading with a nurse before Shallow Grave star Ewan pleads with the audience to contribute to the worthy cause.

A spokeswoman for the charity said it was wonderful to have the star's support.

She said: "Ewan takes time from his hectic schedule to call into the hospice to catch up with staff and see how the children are doing. The children really love him - he's lively, entertaining and and great listener."

McGregor, who has supported the charity for six years, is currently filming in America.

Meanwhile Orla, who doctors had expected to die, is at nursery school and is due to start primary school next year.

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