FORMER world boxing champion Glenn McCrory staged an impassioned plea for businesses to play their part in creating a musical designed to put disabilities and the North-East centre stage.

Great things are expected of Carrying David, which Durham's Gala Theatre has predicted should be the most important piece of drama to come out of the North-East this year.

Written and produced by the ex-boxer, it tells the tale of his relationship with his adopted brother, David, who suffered from a muscular wasting disease. The two grew up together in Annfield Plain, near Stanley, County Durham.

It was David's fight for life that provided the inspiration for the story.

Despite having been given 12 months left to live at 14, David lived until just one month short of his 30th birthday.

Speaking from the Gala Theatre yesterday, McCrory said: "I was trying to get across his struggle. My fights were well documented, and this is about David's fight. He fought just to stay alive."

McCrory, who is producing the show through his company, Two Triangle Productions, jointly with the Gala Theatre, appealed for more sponsors to back the venture, which he hopes will eventually be made into a film.

He said: "We still need companies to come in and help and get involved, and to make this a success story for the North-East."

A logo for the drama, designed by Vanessa Hodgson, was also unveiled yesterday at the theatre. It features two boys, one carrying the other on his back, and was inspired by the way McCrory would carry David to school every day.

The musical will be premiered in Durham, and runs from Thursday, August 29, to Saturday, September 7.

To sponsor the show, contact Two Triangle Productions on (01207) 271329,or Janice Marthen, Gala business manager, on 0191-332 4051.