THE mother of Canterbury-born film star Orlando Bloom has revealed how his runaway success has launched her into a jet-set lifestyle.

Sonia Copeland was speaking to film-goers before a charity screening of Ned Kelly, which stars her son, at the Gulbenkian Theatre on Sunday in aid of Seeds for Africa.

Mrs Copeland, who lives in the city, is an ambassador for the charity which was founded five years ago and is based at Kent University.

She said: "The question I get asked most these days is 'what is it like to be the mother of a famous film star?'

"Well, it is very exciting as you might expect in fact, mind blowing.

"I have suddenly found that I am a lot more popular and I have had to buy a lot of nice new clothes for all the film premieres I have been going to.

"For example, I flew first class to New Zealand for the Lord of the Rings and met all the cast who are now friends.

"But it is also very exciting to see behind the scenes about how the films are made.

"Orlando's success has changed my life but I take no credit for it.

"He has got there by his own personality and determination and he lives life to the full."

She added: "But I am mystified that his sites on the web are apparently the third most visited in the world at present.

"He just tells me that he doesn't want to know about all that stuff because he is trying to keep his feet on the ground.

"But he has a lot more films in the pipeline, including Troy with Brad Pitt."

Mrs Copeland said she was pleased to support Seeds for Africa because both her father and late husband had connections with the country.

She has also presented the charity with a signed poster of Orlando which is on display in the Gulbenkian Theatre foyer and is being auctioned until Sunday.

Anyone wanting to make a bid should contact the box office on 01227 769075.

The screening raised £500 for Seeds for Africa.

Since it was founded by Albert Bullock from the University five years ago, the charity has raised £250,000 towards helping to create school gardens in Africa, where there are 600 projects under way.

Its aim is to help children learn how to grow and manage their own fruit and vegetables.