AWARD-WINNING York cameraman Dave Thorp has just finished shooting scenes for a feature film which has won Best Screenplay at a film festival.

Dave Thorp, from Fulford Road, worked with Harrogate-based VPAC Productions to shoot Clouds, which features a young man’s struggle with mental health issues.

The film stars Rob Leach in the lead role with cameo appearances from George Newton, of This is England, and stand-up comic Charlie Chuck, of The Smell of Reeves and Mortimer.

Dave said the film was shot across several locations in the UK, and included a funeral scene with a hearse supplied by York funeral director Hayley Owen.

“Hayley’s beautiful restored vintage Daimler is no newcomer to filming, having previously featured in Johnny English, The Krays and an episode of Eastenders,” he said.

“The script by David J Keogh and director Velton Lishke has just won Best Screenplay at the Birmingham International Film Festival.”

He said Stuart, played by Rob, struggled to cope with life in the 21st century and mental health issues. “Sometimes that’s comical – and often it’s tragic,” he said.

“He escapes the hectic bustle of London, and finds peace, purpose and new friendship here in Yorkshire. It’s a heart-warming tale which gives an insight into Stuart’s troubled mind – but ultimately offers him hope and opportunity.

“Clouds is a heart-warming 90 minute comedy feature about how we let our emotional baggage define us - and how hope, fate and circumstance can turn things around, for better or for worse.”

He said one of the region’s top chefs, South African Whaheed Rojan, of The Round Table Dining in Harrogate, provided location catering by setting up a pop-up kitchen to offer fine food to the cast and crew.

“We couldn’t have succeeded without the amazing generosity of so many people,” he said.

“I think people connect with the subject matter – and it’s important we all continue to prompt and promote discussion about men’s mental health.”

He added that Clouds was scheduled for release in the spring.