SOAP actor Michael Parr swapped his usual bad boy role to be a good Samaritan for the day at St Helens foodbank on Tuesday.

Michael, 30, who plays Ross Barton in ITV’s Emmerdale, posted a video on Instagram on Monday, urging people to donate cash or food to St Helens foodbank, in Atherton Street.

Inspired by Ken Loach film I, Daniel Blake, Michael said he felt he had to do something – so signed up for a voluntary shift at the foodbank, also known as The Hope Centre, from 9.30am to 3.30pm.

I, Daniel Blake, released earlier this year, follows the fortunes of an ill carpenter who finds himself in need of state welfare but struggles to get through the red tape.

Michael, who grew up on Hard Lane, told the Star: “We’ve finished filming for Christmas now and I’ll be home over the holiday for three Christmas dinners.

“In this day and age, it’s so sad to think there are people out there who can’t afford to feed their children at Christmas.”

He added: “I watched the film (I, Daniel Blake) and it was really moving, it really resonated with me.

“I said to myself ‘things like this are really happening – even in this day and age’, and I wanted to do something.

“So I’m here for the day – I’m getting stuck in. I’ll see how it works.”

He didn’t rule out putting in more shifts, adding: “Schedule-permitting, I’d do it again. I can’t always get back to St Helens as often as I’d like due to filming.”

On Monday, Michael posted a film on Instagram, explaining his plan for the following day.

He told us: “I’m lucky to have quite a lot of social media power, being on TV, so by doing this, I’m hoping to raise awareness, bring in donations, and maybe influence more people to get involved.

“Money is the best thing to donate as staff can then buy products to give people and they know what is needed.”

Will Nesbit, a civil servant, was there too. He said: “Those who receive food packages are first assessed and receive vouchers according to need.”