Frank (82) is to appear in the comedy movie Dick Dickman Private Eye which will be premiered in Wexford next month.

It was shot on location in Wexford and is the brainchild of Irish director Barry O'Neill, who also plays the title role.

Patrick Bergin, who was in Sleeping with the Enemy with Julia Roberts, is the baddie and Brendan O'Carroll plays another detective.

"I've been a Carson fan since I was a little boy and I was delighted when he agreed to play the part of senior detective Frank Johnston," said O'Neill.

"It is a substantial role and I was impressed by Frank's acting and his energy. I am previewing the film in front of an audience of 800 in White's Hotel in Wexford on May 27, before it goes on general release and Frank will be a big attraction at the premiere."

Frank added: "I play a super 'tec who trains would-be detectives. The only problem is after listening to me and taking my advice they never solve a case.

"I love the role - I'm a big fan of the Perry Mason series on Sky and I've always secretly wanted to be a private eye on screen.

"But don't get the idea this is my debut as a film star. I appeared with Ben Kingsley in his film Testimony: the Story of Shostakovitch which was about the Russian composer."

But right now Carson, who lives in Blackpool with his wife Ruth, is preoccupied with the bursary at QUB which will be launched in Belfast on Tuesday, sponsored by his 52-year-old business consultant son Tony. The bursary will provide funding annually for a student with show business leanings who wants to be a professional scriptwriter or a drama performer.

When he is back home, Frank will also be helping Tony, who went to St Malachy's College in the same class as Martin O'Neill the Aston Villa manager, launch his book 'Integrate to Accumulate' on the subject of integrated education in the province.

The launch will be attended by Baroness May Blood who is chair person of the Integrated Education Fund.

"Tony and I want to put something back into the community where we both grew up," said Frank. "Tony lived in Belfast as a boy and still has a feel for the place. He has been successful in business and as a property and pub owner."

Meanwhile, Frank despite his age is about to start a 41-date tour of the UK and Europe. And he is already making plans to appear at December's Royal Command Show in the London Palladium.