Auction boost for Ken's film cash

Mar 27 2003 By Ed Reed, The Huddersfield Daily Examiner

WRITER and actor Ken Kitson has wooed a host of stars to appear in his film.

But now he must raise £2m by July to finance the movie.

Ken, who has played a policeman in Last of the Summer Wine for 23 years, hosted a celebrity charity auction at the Cedar Court Hotel, Ainley Top, last night.

It was his latest fundraising event to float the romantic comedy Dreamcatcher.

"There's a long way to go. I've got about six millionaires still to see," joked Ken, who is seen being ambushed by (from left) Malika Spearman, John Rourke and Nidge Spearman.

Ken added: "It's a shame you have got to do this because you're not getting funding from the normal channels."

Memorabilia from the world of TV, sport and entertainment were open to the highest bids from the 200 guests. A Manchester United shirt signed by David Beckham was the outstanding lot.

Ken's film tells the story of 40-year-old Wild West obsessive Will Case.

The gentle comedy is set in the North's cowboy clubs.

Slaithwaite woman Barbara Woodruff has invested £42,000 in the project.

Inspector Wexford actor George Baker will star as Will's father. Geoffrey Hughes and Jean Alexander - Eddie Yates and Hilda Ogden in Coronation Street - take lead roles.

Ken wants to raise the cash before July 7 - his 57th birthday. If he does not, all the money already given to him will be returned to the current backers.