A STOURBRIDGE actor turned film-maker gave his debut short flick a world premiere in Kinver this week.

Alan Birch, star of the Inspector Drake comedy films, decided to have a go at producing his own short film which was screened at a meeting of Kinver Film Society on Wednesday March 8.

The eight-minute film, entitled End of the Road, was shot in Kinver, Stourton and Wollaston and based on an idea by professional actor and playwright Gerry Hinks – who has appeared in Coronation Street and who has also shot his own comedy version of the story.

Alan's offering, however, is more of a dark thriller.

As well as directing the film, 56-year-old graphic designer Alan also stars in it as The Driver.

Birmingham based actress Miriam Grace Edwards whom Alan has shared the stage with while touring with Opus Theatre Company and includes a brief appearance by Kinver horror writer AG Smith as The Delivery Man.

Alan’s brother-in-law Pedro Flask also stars in the short film and is credited for the gory special effects.

While professional cameraman Ian Dangerfield also loaned his services free of charge for the movie which has been produced by Alan Birch and AG Smith's Weeping Bank Productions company – which staged its first live production, an evening of original ghost stories, at Stourbridge’s Bonded Warehouse last Halloween.

Alan, from Wollaston, said: “I am grateful to everyone involved who gave up their time to help me create something of which I am very proud. It seemed to go down well at Kinver Film Society."

For more on Weeping Bank Productions go to www.weepingbankproductions.co.uk or to see the film in full check out Weeping Bank Productions on Facebook.