BBC's Call the Midwife episode featuring youngsters from Ipswich youth group 4YP to air this Sunday as part of series 12

Eight Suffolk youngsters were transported back in time through the power of costumes and make-up as they landed roles in a hit BBC period drama.

Pupils from youth group 4YP, based in Ipswich, secured parts as extras in Call the Midwife for its latest series.

Their involvement came after a star of the show encouraged the promising young performers to put their names forward.

Zephryn Taitte, known to audiences as Cyril Robinson in the show, travels to the town once per week to put on workshops at the youth group, often aimed at vulnerable young people, using performing arts as a form of youth engagement and crime prevention.

The group, all between the ages of 10 and 21, travelled from Suffolk to Surrey in September to visit the set and take part.

While there, they shot scenes for episode six of series 12, which will air on Sunday.

None had speaking parts, although some were singled out for slightly larger roles.

One of the youngsters was 21-year-old Suffolk New College student Matthew Ford, who attends 4YP sessions.

SuffolkNews covered Matthew's story last month, including how he was always told he would never amount to anything due to his autism.

He said being on set 'felt like a dream'.

Another lucky star was 16-year-old Ethan.

He said being invited to take part was amazing and thanked the youth group for getting him involved.

Ethan added: "The experience will further my confidence and my ability to convey what I want through speech.

"The whole day was a dream come true and there isn’t any one moment I could pick out as my favourite.

"It was an invaluable event, and the fact we got paid - our first professional cheque – makes it all the better."

Tevon, 12, said he felt nervous and didn't quite know what to expect when he showed up on set.

However, the group were reassured by staff and made to feel like family, he noted.

Tevon told how experience gave him more confidence to take other drama parts at school.

Tevon added: “It was an amazing day from the beginning to the end.

"I got to observe other the actors, so I knew what was expected from me.

"I am very proud to be able to have had this amazing experience and it’s something that will always stay with me."

4YP is based in Lower Brook Street in Ipswich.

It provides provision for youngsters who otherwise cannot get, or do not qualify for, other means of support.

Outside of counselling, it is also known for its youth work.

4YP chief executive Gavin Stone noted the success of its drama workshops.

Building a relationship with Zephryn was also a huge boon for the charity, he said.

Gavin added: "These workshops increase the confidence of young people and has given them a platform to communicate their views through performance.

"In addition, Zephryn epitomises so many of the values we share at 4YP in serving and supporting young people, notably those that otherwise might not have the same opportunities to thrive as others.”