FROM tea-boy to director-producer... Horwich resident David Whitney's rise to fame is a dream held by many.

And now the 23-year-old has hit the big screen. Or at least a screen watched by as many as 5,000 people.

Mr Whitney, of Pennine Road, has recently finished directing and produced a new two-minute video trailer for ice hockey giants Manchester Storm.

The video, costing thousands of pounds, helps lift the Manchester Arena crowd as the Storm take to the ice.

It was compiled by Mr Whitney and colleagues at Salford-based production company Equinox.

His past works have included producing and directing big-budget commercials for global companies including JJB Sports and has also travelled to Romania in 1999 to direct and a produce a harrowing commercial for worldwide charity Rotary International.

But, he admits, the Manchester Storm Project is his largest and most successful to date... after starting as a runner and tea-boy four years ago.

He said: "It is something I always wanted to do since I was 11 or 12. I love the process of film making. It is creative yet technical at the same time.

Brilliant

"I have gone through some big budget stuff but this is the highlight of my career and to see my work played in front of 5,000 people is a brilliant feeling. From tea-boy to where I am now is a big trip. I wanted to be successful but I never thought I would be in this position so quickly. It is a great buzz."

He left Rivington and Blackrod High School with dreams of the big-screen. He completed an HND in Media Production at Salford University in 1998, joining Equinox in Deansgate in 1998.

He said: "I just sent a off lot of CVs." He started as a runner and became a freelance technician soon after. Now, as an in-house director, his work has taken him to London, Cologne and Paris. He added: "In 10 years time I would like to be directing some big budget stuff but still in commercials. Their joy is creativity and I really enjoy it."

The untitled two minute preview video at Manchester Storm made its debut on September 2. It took 40 people a month to compile and features two players driving their cars through Manchester, before arriving at the dressing room and taking to the ice.

He said: "It really got the crowd going, it was a brilliant feeling."