POLICEMAN Peter Clifford has been surprising everyone with his role in a hit British movie.

Unsuspecting friends and colleagues are reacting with shock and surprise when they settle down to watch Bend It Like Beckham, the story of a London girl whose Asian family disapprove of her dream of being a professional footballer.

The Langbaurgh detective constable pops up as a referee in a scene with the star, Parminder Nagra. DC Clifford, a one-time football referee in real life, delivers the line: "Number Seven, come here" when he shows her the red card.

The film received massive critical acclaim in Britain and was number one in the Asian film charts for four weeks last year. It opened in the United States over Easter and is now available on video over here.

But DC Clifford kept his involvement in the film very quiet - leading to some amusing moments.

The video is screened on flights from England and a startled friend of his flying out to Bali upset her flight meal tray over herself and the aeroplane floor when, to her surprise she saw Peter, a burglar data collection officer, appear on screen.

A colleague, watching the film at UGC Cinema in Middlesbrough, found himself suddenly starting up from his seat and shouting "I know him" - only to be told off by his wife.

"I did not tell many people before the film came out," said DC Clifford, who has been in the police force for 31 years.

The 55-year-old landed the part through his son Simon who, as head of the International Confederation of Futebol de Salao, is an adviser and coach on football-themed films.

He said film work can be a big yawn. "Although it was a great experience, film making is a very slow process. I was bored with all the hanging around.

"I thought sitting in a van for 12 hours during the miners' strike was bad, but this was worse. You have to have the patience of Job."