THE story of a man who used Thai boxing to get his life back on track after struggling with drug abuse and mental health issues is the inspiration for a film.

One Way Ticket was made by Mark Birch, from Evenwood, near Bishop Auckland as part of his studies at Newcastle University.

The 42-year-old went back to university after being made redundant from his job as a wagon driver.

His ten-minute film, which follows the story of 28-year-old Thai boxer Aaron Parker, from Mickleton, in Teesdale, has won several awards and been shown at festivals all over the world.

He said: “It was originally going to be about Aaron going to Thailand for a fight but it ended up being a more personal story about his step father and mental health issues.

“It seems to have travelled quite far. A lot of people can relate to Aaron’s story and issues with drink and drugs.

“I think that’s why it’s done well, because it’s a universal theme. The response has been better than I could have imagined.”

Mr Parker, who has been Thai boxing for about seven years, trains at Silapa gym in Bishop Auckland under coach Matt Smith.

He was filmed earlier this year, while training for a match in Manchester.

During the film, he shares his experience of rebelling against his step-father, taking drugs, getting into trouble with the police and struggling with mental health issues.

Mr Parker said: “It was a new experience. It was difficult having to talk about quite emotive stuff but I did enjoy it.

“Thai boxing has been a salvation for me.”

The film won its category in the Pinnacle film awards and was also named as a semi-finalist in the European Cinematography Awards.

Mr Birch had help from Saman Taheri, another filmmaker, who helped with some of the shots and gym owner Paul Pearson, who allowed filming to take place.

Mr Birch added: “I’m glad it’s something I’ve done.

“I always felt like I had a brain that I wasn’t using so when I was made redundant finding a job in that line of work wasn’t for me.

“I always had that interest in filmmaking – it was something I wanted to do since I was a kid. Now I’ve made a small film and I’m going to be making more.”