Box office hit Billy Elliot swept the board last night as it waltzed off with four major titles at the British Independent Film Awards.

The feel-good movie - filmed in Easington, County Durham - tells the story of a teenager from a mining town who becomes a ballet star, despite his family's early disapproval.

It was named best film, while first time film-maker Stephen Daldry was best director.

Young star Jamie Bell, from Billingham, Teesside, who plays the title role as the talented youngster, was named best newcomer at the ceremony in central London.

Lee Hall's heartwarming script was named best screenplay and the film was beaten in only one of the five categories for which it was shortlisted. Julie Walters, Billy's mentor in the film, was beaten to the best actress title by X-Files star Gillian Anderson for her performance in The House Of Mirth.

Critics have been amazed by the polished performance of Jamie in Billy Elliot, as well as his dancing abilities.

In the film, set during the miners' strike in 1984, his father and brother are keen for him to have a bash at the more manly pursuit of boxing, while Billy wants to follow his dancing dream.

Another film, taking more than one title was One Day In September, the Oscar-winning documentary about the massacre of Israeli athletes at the 1972 Olympic Games, which took a pair of trophies.