A film set and shot in Darlington in 2019 was screened at Vue Cinema in Leicester Square, London, last night (Thursday, July 28).

Give Them Wings was directed by Sean Cronin and is based on the life of a Darlington FC fan, Paul Hodgson, who became disabled following childhood meningitis.

Paul was diagnosed with childhood meningitis at ten months old and his parents were told he would never move or speak.

The independent feature film also won Best British Feature at the London Independent Film Awards last year.

The Northern Echo: Katie Sheridan at the premiereKatie Sheridan at the premiere

The Northern Echo: Daniel Watson, who plays Paul in the filmDaniel Watson, who plays Paul in the film

The film, set in 1989, tells the story of Paul's journey to self-acceptance.

The Northern Echo: Sean Cronin, director. Picture: IAN CARTERSean Cronin, director. Picture: IAN CARTER

Read more: Darlington film premieres at town's Vue Cinema ahead of Leicester Square showing

Filming locations in Darlington included the bar and grounds of Darlington Football Club and The Foresters Arms in Coatham Mundeville.

The Northern Echo: Rachel Warren at the Give Them Wings premiere in Leicester SquareRachel Warren at the Give Them Wings premiere in Leicester Square

The Northern Echo: Daniel Watson plays the lead roleDaniel Watson plays the lead role

The Northern Echo: Daniel Watson (who plays Paul) and co-produced Ian CarterDaniel Watson (who plays Paul) and co-produced Ian Carter

The film was written and co-produced by Paul, directed by Sea Cronin and stars Toyah Willcox, putting Darlington on the map.

The Northern Echo: Ian Carter with Darlington FC fans who travelled to London for the screeningIan Carter with Darlington FC fans who travelled to London for the screening

Much of the interior scenes were filmed in a house in Bishop Auckland that had not had a make-over since the 1980s.

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