THE producers of a Second World War film drama set in the North-East are on the hunt for a female lead.

Phil K Matthews and Gemma Nichols want a “brilliant actress” to take on the role of Pearl, a Geordie lass, in their drama ‘Meet Me At The Marsden Grotto’.

The film, written by the pair who have established their own production company, Electric Elephant Productions, is a love story that spans more than 50 years and is inspired by real-life events.

It follows Gustav, a former German fighter pilot who was captured during the Second World War and taken prisoner of war.

While assisting the war effort by working as a local farmhand, he meets and falls in love with Pearl.

The pair are later separated but not before they make a promise to meet at the Grotto, a South Shields landmark.

In the story Gustav returns to the region 50 years later to try and trace Pearl with the film flipping between the 1940s and 1995.

Mr Matthews, who began his own acting career in popular BBC television children series Byker Grove, said: “The North-East is filled with home grown talent and we’re looking forward to giving someone in the area a unique opportunity.”

Pearl is described as feisty and adventurous with a zest for life. Applicants to play her must be 18 years or over and do not necessarily need previous acting experience.

For more information visit the website www.electricelephantproductions.com and click on the ‘news’ section. The deadline for applications is August 7.

Filming will take place in the autumn and the finished drama will be premiered in the North-East later in the year.