BRITISH and European film makers could get a much needed boost if Bolton's Euro MP Gary Titley gets his way.

He is supporting plans to set up a £100 million Eurofund to encourage investment in the European TV and film industry.

Speaking from Strasbourg, Mr Titley said many would-be film makers were unable to exploit their talents because they could not find financial backing.

"These are the very people that the European Guarantee Fund will be designed to help," he said.

Almost half the money will come from the private sector and independent experts will vet all applications to ensure that only sound projects receive backing.

Mr Titley believes the scheme has huge potential with the European audiovisual industry growing at 16pc a year - the fastest in the world.

"There can be no better time to do this. Unless we act now, the European audiovisual industry could so easily sink without trace," he warned.

"Then we would be left with nothing but American productions to watch. Mickey Mouse may be fun - but not 24 hours a day."

After winning the backing of MEPs, the Eurofund plan now goes to a Council of Government Ministers meeting in December for a final decision.

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