FILM fans felt the force with the founder members of a pioneering UK soul band.

The Real Thing, best known for hits ‘You to Me Are Everything’, ‘Can’t Get By Without You’ and ‘Can You Feel the Force?’, are the subject of a powerful new documentary.

‘Everything’, which charts the group’s 50 year career, was shown by Darlington Film Club – in The Forum Music Centre, Borough Road – on Sunday evening.

Founder members Chris Amoo and Dave Smith – who began singing together as teenagers – then took to the stage, where they regaled the audience with anecdotes from their colourful careers.

They told how they felt they'd "made it" when they played their first professional gig at the old Flamingo nightclub in Darlington, staying in digs in Spennymoor and being driven to the venue in a fruit and veg van.

Writer, producer and director Simon Sheridan was also present to talk about the film, which tells of the group’s tough upbringing in Toxteth, against a backdrop of racism, to international fame and fortune – with plenty of tears and laughter along the way.

Contributors include singers Billy Ocean, David Essex and Kim Wilde, producer Jeff Wayne and actor Paul Barber.

The film ends with a touching tribute to Eddy Amoo, Chris's brother and a mainstay of the band who features in the documentary, but who died in 2018 before it was released.

Film Club founder James Watson said: “Up there with The Rolling Stones, Fleetwood Mac and The Who as a British band still touring after 50-plus years, The Real Thing were fantastic guests at Darlington Film Club at The Forum.

"Still down to earth Liverpudlians, Chris and Dave told stories of their early days in Darlington and the highs and lows of their career.

“To have them on stage for a Q&A was brilliant and they were happy to talk about all parts of the band's 50 years.

"Simon Sheridan was on top form discussing how the film came together and the behind the scenes of particular clips. It was a great honour being on stage with them all.”

For more details of forthcoming events, visit Darlington Film Club’s Facebook page.