A refugee who works for the Red Cross has been chosen to feature in a national advertising campaign with a Hollywood star.

Eric Nkundumubano, who came to the UK in 2001 from Rwanda, is one of three refugees picked to tell their stories for the Look Beyond The Label campaign.

Fronted by Desperate Housewives and Mission Impossible II star Dougray Scott, the campaign aims is to change public perception of refugees and asylum seekers in the UK.

Eric, from Highfields, Leicester, features in an online video published this week.

The 28-year-old said he was proud to be a part of such a high-profile awareness drive. He said: "They asked if I was interested and I said 'yes, of course'.

"This will raise awareness and make people realise that refugees are people with ambitions and who are able to contribute to society.

"I fled my country for fear of persecution. It wasn't a choice, it was something I was forced to do to save my life.

"I think they wanted to show in the video how I have integrated into the community here."

Since Eric's arrival in Leicester, he has completed a law degree and a masters in human rights law, and has volunteered for the Red Cross.

The 28-year-old helped victims of the floods in Gloucestershire in 2007 and has provided support and advice for other refugees and asylum seekers.

He now has a paid position with the charity.

"When I came to the UK, I wanted to help people," he said.

"I wanted to make a difference and this is why I enjoy what I am doing with the Red Cross."

Eric was filmed at the charity's base in London Road, Leicester.

While he did not get to meet Dougray, he said it meant a lot to have a star backing the cause.

He said: "It is very encouraging. I Googled his name when I found out and read he was tipped to be James Bond, so that is very big.

"If our campaign is being promoted by a person such as him, a lot of people will want to know about it."

Dougray Scott said: "As an actor, I'm aware of the importance of identity, something which refugees are denied.

"We must look beyond this label to the individuals – doctors, teachers, parents and friends."

Cathy Stevenson, service manager for refugee and asylum support projects at the Red Cross in Leicestershire, said Eric was a "shining example" of the positive contributions made by refugees in society.

She said: "Seeing first-hand the work that Eric tirelessly does to help people, he was the first person that came to mind when I was asked if we had anyone who could take part.

"We're very proud he was chosen and very proud to have Eric representing not only our team, but nationally as well", added Ms Stevenson

The charity is asking people to pledge support by including the Look Beyond The Label web address on social network websites.