FILMMAKERS have secured funding to help develop a movie about the life of a disabled Darlington FC fan.

Northern Film and Media (NFM) have agreed to provide cash for the screen adaptation of Paul Hodgson's autobiography, Flipper's Side.

Now the people behind the project hope the NFM backing will encourage other investors to get on board to enable it to be made next year.

Former Coronation Street actress Denise Welch has already agreed to appear in the film, provisionally titled Down Amongst the Dead Men.

The book looks at Mr Hodgson's love of Darlington FC, as well as the meningitis which left him in a wheelchair and how that has affected his life.

Plans for a film have been in the pipeline for some time, but Mr Hodgson said the funding was the boost that would finally see it made.

He said: "Whereas before it was just a dream, now it's going to happen.

"I'm very pleased that my book's going to be made into a film and chuffed at the way things have gone."

Local companies have also pledged their support. National Car in Darlington has loaned a vehicle and Best Computers in Stockton has provided a laptop computer.

Scott Mann, who is writing and directing the film with Nick Rowntree, said: "We've been working on developing this for over a year and this is really the green light for it to go ahead. It's very much all systems go."

It is hoped that filming will be able to go ahead in July or August of next year.

Michael Jarvie, who co-wrote the autobiography, said: "I'm delighted that things seem to be moving ahead. That initial grant means we have more credibility.

"I always had faith in the idea. I've seen the script and it's very impressive.