A former York pharmacist takes to the silver screen in the opening film at the Leeds International Film Festival tonight.

Ron Blass, 76, appears in Kay Mellor's romantic Millennium comedy Fanny And Elvis, the opening gala film at Leeds Odeon at 7.30pm.

Mr Blass ran RH Blass in Beckfield Lane, Acomb, York, for 22 years before retiring 13 years ago and he has since carved a niche as an actor, rising from the amateur ranks after many years to attain Equity card-holding status.

Mr Blass plays a jeweller in Fanny And Elvis, the directorial debut of Kay Mellor, the Leeds writer best known for TV's Band Of Gold and Playing The Field.

Mr Blass said: "It's not a big part, but it is opposite the leading actress, Kerry Fox, so I can't complain. But I didn't get to do the bed scenes!"

Filmed in Hebden Bridge, Fanny And Elvis tells the tale of of a romantic collision between a novelist with the baby-making clock ticking down, played by Kerry Fox, and a chauvinist car dealer, played by Ray Winstone.

During his years as a pharmacist, Mr Blass performed regularly with the Leeds Actors Company. He made his professional debut in A House By The Sea, and he has played a magistrate in Coronation Street and appeared in Cardiac Arrest and Hetty Wainthropp Investigates.

The Leeds International Film Festival runs from today until October 23. For more information, ring the festival office on 0113 247 8389.

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