The award-winning film-makers behind Trainspotting and Notting Hill are working on a movie set in York.

London-based DNA films was established in 1997 by Duncan Kenworthy, producer of Four Weddings And A Funeral and Notting Hill, and Andrew Macdonald, producer of The Beach and Trainspotting.

DNA bought the rights to Harland Miller's debut novel, Slow Down Arthur, Stick To Thirty.

Mr Miller, 37, was born and brought up in York and the book is set in the city. About to be published in paperback, Slow Down Arthur tells the story of a young man's unconventional rite of passage in the early 80s, hinging on his relationship with a David Bowie impersonator.

Ayub Khan Din, who wrote the comedy hit East Is East, is adapting the book. He has just completed the first draft of his screenplay.

Mr Miller said: "He actually came to York to try and get some of the atmosphere. I felt a bit sorry for him - he had been on four ghost walks."

Ghost walks loom large in the book. Other scenes are set in the Theatre Royal foyer, Swinegate and St Sampson's Square.

Mr Miller said Pulp lead singer Jarvis Cocker is interested in directing the film.

The lead singer of Pulp is a friend, and described the books as "smashing".

Updated: 11:22 Wednesday, June 27, 2001