FILM MAKERS have secured funding to develop a movie about the life of a disabled North-East football fan.

Northern Film and Media has agreed to provide cash for the screen adaptation of Paul Hodgson's autobiography, Flipper's Side.

The people behind the project hope the news will encourage other investors so that the film can be made next year.

Former Coronation Street actress Denise Welch has agreed to appear in the production, provisionally titled Down Amongst the Dead Men.

The book looks at Mr Hodgson's love of Darlington FC, as well as the meningitis which left him in a wheelchair and how illness affected his life.

Plans for a film have been in the pipeline for some time, but Mr Hodgson said the funding was the boost which should finally see it made.

He said: "Whereas before it was just a dream, now it's going to happen. I'm very pleased."

Local companies have also pledged their support. National Car, in Darlington, has loaned a vehicle, and Best Computers, in Stockton, has provided a laptop computer.

Scott Mann, who is writing and directing the film with Nick Rowntree, said: "We've been working on developing this for over a year, and this is really the green light for it to go ahead."

It is hoped filming will go ahead in July or August next year.

Michael Jarvie, who co-wrote the autobiography, said: "I'm delighted things seem to be moving ahead. That initial grant means we have more credibility."