A low-budget filmmaker from County Durham who shoots all of his movies on a mobile phone has won a national award.

Dean Midas from Willington, has today (Tuesday, November 12)  been named the Darkus Magazine North East Filmmaker of the Year.

Editor and owner of Darkus Magazines, Thushara Chandrasiri, said: "Imagine having a passion and transforming it into a reality, well that is exactly what happened in the case of Dean Midas.

A thrilled Dean Midas with his North East Filmmaker of the Year awardA thrilled Dean Midas with his North East Filmmaker of the Year award (Image: DEAN MIDAS)

"Proving that all you need is a bit of imagination, teamwork and an open mind, Dean is a filmmaker in a league of his own"

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A delighted Dean said: "This is absolutely brilliant. This isn't just for me, this is for the all actors and venues who continue to help me support us. I am truly humbled."

Dean writes and directs all of his short horror films based on his characters The Rag Dolly, Eve Valentine and Sayer Hicks.

His latest film, The Legend of Sayer Hicks, has already had more than 45,000 views in just four weeks.