A County Durham film maker is celebrating another award win.

Dean Midas, from Willington, has been named the North East Film Director of the Year by music, lifestyle and creative magazine Darkus.

His team also won the magazine's Best Creative Franchise accolade.

The success is all the more remarkable given that Mr Midas shoots all of  his films on mobile phones on a minimal budget in the North East, using local actors and locations.

His latest film The Devil's Stone, based around a legend conncted to a feature in Crook town centre, has already been viewed 26,000 times, an opening record for one of his horror shorts.

Mr Midas said: “I am honoured to be named the North East Film Director of the Year. This award means so much to me and my team.”

The Northern Echo: Dean Midas has been named North East Film Director of the Year by Darkus Magazine

A spokesperson for Darkus Magazine said: "Dean never fails to impress and inspire with his creativity as an independent filmmaker and director.

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"His ability to bring together local businesses, emerging local talent and really champion the County Durham region is priceless.

"Each year the work of Dean and his team continues to get bigger and better, and long may that continue."

Mr Midas plans to make two more short horror films in 2024.