A FILM director is putting the finishing touches to a new short film shot entirely in Horwich.

David Whitney, aged 27, of Panton Street, Horwich, is a freelance film maker who cut his directing teeth making television advertisments.

But now the former Rivington and Blackrod High School pupil is branching out into drama with his new short film, Taken Out, which he wrote as well as directed.

David said: "I really liked making the film. It was very exciting and I enjoyed every minute of it."

Taken Out is a gritty tale about two friends, whose relationship deteriorates when one of them kills a stranger in a fight.

David chose Horwich as his location because he knew the area and a lot of people in the town.

"There's also some very nice scenery in Horwich and Rivington," he added.

The actors and broadcast crew agreed to work for free, and David hopes he can get the film on the short film festival circuit.

The Horwich-born director scooped a Silver World Medal at this year's New York Film Festival for a video on disability discrimination for JJB Sports. His previous work includes documentaries from Afghan-istan and Russia, a video for Manchester Storm ice hockey club, and a health and safety video for Bolton Council's Early Years Development and Childcare Partnership, hosted by presenter Vernon Kay.