A FILM that was completed despite a lead actor breaking her neck has finally had its world premiere.

Lookin’ For Lucky, which was written by Bolton filmmaker Joe O’Byrne and largely filmed in Halliwell, was unveiled at the Lowry’s Vue cinema as part of the Salford Film Festival last night.

The film, which was four years in the making, tells the story of two brothers who live on a council estate.

But bad luck struck the production when actor Donna Henry broke her neck when she slipped and fell at a Turkish airport.

She underwent surgery and had three artificial vertebrae inserted into her spine before being allowed to fly home.

She was hurt partway through shooting and Joe had to write new characters and scenes to keep the film in production.

Donna made a full recovery, and even managed to return to the set to shoot some final scenes.

Joe, who played Mike in the film, said: “It’s been such a fantastic community experience creating the film.

“Many of the residents, some shops, a couple of pubs and a football club from the communities we filmed in played their part in some way, and I’ve been genuinely touched by the generosity and good nature of them all.

“The film brought people together and for that reason alone it will always be special for me.”