ACTRESS Jane Horrocks and film minister and Rossendale and Darwen MP Janet Anderson (pictured) have backed claims that the British film industry is plagued by class prejudice.

Jane, the daughter of a door-to-door salesman from Rawtenstall, spoke out in support of Michael Caine, who claimed earlier this week that snobbery had prevented him receiving the recognition his career deserved.

The 37-year-old actress told a Variety Club lunch in Michael Caine's honour: "There is still a lot of snobbery in the British film industry. If you have made it to the top table then you have made it, fine. But sometimes those from the middle and upper classes get hailed when those from the lower classes don't.

"Juliet Stevenson, though she hasn't worked a lot lately, Judi Dench and Maggie Smith will always be nominated for awards and win.

"I'm not saying they don't deserve it, but it's that much easier for them."

Michael Caine, who starred with Jane in the hit film Little Voice, made his controversial comments when accepting a fellowship from the British Academy this week. He said: "It is an honour to be invited in from the cold by an organisation as illustrious as the BAFTAs. It has been cold out there, maybe I will feel more welcome in my country than I have up until now."

Jane, a former pupil of Fearns High School, Stacksteads, said Michael Caine was "incredibly articulate and a brilliant actor."

She added: "He's greeted with open arms in America. It seems you've got to grow old before you get the recognition. I have great admiration for Michael. He's made people talk and said something of great importance."

Janet Anderson, the Government's film and tourism minister, said: "I think Jane and Michael Caine are quite right.

"There is an elite in the film industry and people like Jane and Michael often do not get the recognition they deserve. It's high time something was done about it."

There are reports circulating at Westminster that Michael Caine may be in line for an honour in the near future, possibly a knighthood.