CALLS for "lights, camera and action!" could soon be heard throughout the region.

For a major drive is under way to attract movie-moguls and TV talent.

The North West Film Commission, launched this summer, aims to put Bolton and the rest of the north on the map when it comes to film production and location sites.

And Bolton, which is soon to be featured in the "Wartime Wanderers" film, hopes to recapture some of its former glory days when British classics such as "The Family Way" starring Sir John Mills and "Spring and Port Wine" with James Mason were filmed here. The town can even boast that it was the birthplace of the most famous movie-buff of them all, Leslie Halliwell!

The creation of England's North West Film Commission has been welcomed by industry leaders.

Oscar-winning Lord Attenborough, of "Gandhi" and "Cry Freedom" fame said: "It is good news indeed that the region which inspired Brief Encounter and provided splendid locations for In The Name of The Father and Priest is to benefit from its own Film Commission.

"The British film industry is without equal in the wealth of opportunities it can offer domestic and foreign investors and now has a wonderful chance to consolidate its position. "I am delighted that the British Film Commission's network is now complete and look forward to a major expansion of its activities in the North West."

The organisation will aim to secure existing production facilities as well as promote expansion as the digital revolution opens up hundreds of new TV channels in Britain and throughout Europe.

When a chief executive is appointed he will become the region's film and TV ambassador and sell the benefits of the North West to producers and directors around the world. The Head of Resources at BBC North in Manchester, Cyril Gates, said: "England's North West is already the most important and experienced region for TV and film production.

BBC and ITV alone contribute more than £190m a year to the local economy - and the scope internationally is enormous.

"England's North West Film Commission will be a terrific boost to the rich seam of creative talent in the region."

The commission will have film offices in Manchester, Chester, Liverpool and Lancashire and will create a regional map and database for all potential locations.

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