A FORMER drug addict who once slept rough on the streets of Preston has been overwhelmed by the number of people from the area wanting to get involved in the film of his life story.

Stephen Smith wrote Addict, an autobiographical account of his 20-year drug hell, which Star Wars producer Gary Kurtz agreed to turn it into a movie.

He invited Citizen readers to audition for parts in the film and has received literally thousands of applications.

He said: "The response has been absolutely amazing. Some of the letters we have received have had very sad stories to tell.

"One woman wrote to us telling us that her son was a drug addict who came off drugs. He started taking them again and recently died. She wants to get involved in the film any way she can.

"I was very moved by the letters and so was Gary."

Stephen added: "We want to reply to all the letters. I guarantee we will answer every single one. These people have shown an interest in my life story and taken the trouble to write in.

"I want to reply to all the letters because part of my story is that I was as low as I thought I could go - and now I'm off drugs. "

Stephen and Gary hope to hold auditions in Preston in four to six weeks and everyone invited - even the people not finally selected for a part - may still be able to take part in the film.

The duo plan to give everyone a t-shirt emblazoned with 'Addict - coming soon' and film them from a helicopter as publicity for the movie.

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