SAMANTHA Morton is to head the cast in a BBC1 adaptation of Laurie Lee's classic memoir Cider With Rosie.

She will play Lee's mother, Annie, in the 90-minute film to be screened next year, alongside a cast which also includes Jessica Hynes, June Whitfield and Annette Crosbie.

It will form part of a series of dramas based on classics of 20th century literature, which also includes The Go-Between and Lady Chatterley's Lover.

Morton, who has twice been nominated for an Oscar, said: "I am thrilled to have taken on the role of Annie Lee in BBC1's adaptation of Cider With Rosie as it is one of my favourite books."

Lee's tale of his childhood, growing up in a Gloucestershire village, will feature newcomer Archie Cox, while the daughter of actor Andy Serkis, Ruby Ashbourne Serkis, is to portray the author's cousin, Rosie.

Lucy Richer, commissioning editor for BBC Drama Commissioning, said: "Cider With Rosie is one of the gems of 20th century literature, and has been loved by generations as a coming-of-age story about love and family that still rings true today, in Laurie Lee's centenary year.

Filming has already begun on location in Gloucestershire.