A film maker from Preston is calling on lesbians and gay men to come forward to take part in a project to make a number of short films.

John McBride, 32, of Broadgate, is a professional film maker who has been given £3,700 by Preston Community Chest to make the films.

He is hoping to hold a mini-festival in Preston at the end of the year where the films can be showcased and then submit them to film festivals like the London Lesbian and Gay Film Festival.

He said: "The project is specifically for gay and lesbians, and it's got quite a broad remit, so films could be anything like a comedy or a documentary.

John, a media graduate from the University of Central Lancashire, said that about ten films varying in length will be produced, and recorded on to DVD for the participants.

"Above all it's about giving people the opportunity to do something a little bit different," added the former Tulketh High School pupil.

"Preston has a small gay and lesbian scene, but apart from bars and clubs there's not that much to do."

He already has two films set up, one is about a gay man who is attacked on his way to work.

"It's quite surreal, but looks beautiful because it was shot by the river at sunset," he added.

The other film is a series of comedy sketches.

And a group of young people are also thinking about doing a documentary on homophobic bullying in secondary schools.

Steve Turner, administrator of Preston Community Chest, said the project fitted in with the aims of the organisation which funds community projects for minority groups.

Mr McBride's most recent projects have included a film on binge drinking for the UK Film Council and he also line produced Chicken Tikka Masala, which was filmed in Preston and released in cinemas earlier this year.

For more information visit www.dragons-garden.co.uk, email info@dragons-garden.co.uk, or call John on 07889 682620.