A KIRKLEES councillor is set to grace the big screen after securing a key part in an upcoming movie based on the Yorkshire Ripper.

Kirkburton Tory Clr Christine Smith has a background in acting and has recently finished filming scenes for the adaptation of David Peace’s novel 1983, starring Sean Bean, David Morrissey, Full Monty actor Mark Addy and Dalziel and Pascoe’s Warren Clarke.

The film, due to be released in February, is one of three movies now being made from Peace’s Red Riding Quartet.

The books revolve around the turbulent times in Yorkshire in the 1970s and 80s, including police corruption, the miners’ strikes and the hunt for the Ripper, Peter Sutcliffe, from Bradford.

The three films are also expected to be screened on Channel 4 next year.

Clr Smith, who last starred in The Royal Today on ITV, said: “I did a couple of seasons at Sheffield Rep when I first left school and I’ve always kept my hand in. I’ve done quite a lot of support roles.

“I’ve had scenes in Touch Of Frost and Heartbeat. Sean Bean had filmed his bit earlier on before I was on set, so I missed seeing him. But Warren Clarke and Mark Addy are both in my scenes.’’

Clr Smith admitted she had not read the novel and did not know the exact story, but said she had to ‘‘turn on the tears’’ for her role as Mrs Piggot, the mother of corrupt solicitor John Piggot, played by Mark Addy.

And despite being very busy with council work at the moment she said plenty of other acting jobs were in the pipeline.

“I’m going for more upmarket speaking parts now rather than as an ordinary extra,’’ she said. “They seem to be easier to get once you get older. We will see what happens.”

Three books from Ossett-born novelist Peace’s quartet – 1974, 1980 and 1983 – have been adapted by Tony Grisoni, who wrote the screenplay for Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas.

Elements from Peace’s second book in the Red Riding Quartet, 1977, will be woven into all three films.

His most famous novel is about Brian Clough’s 44 days as manager of Leeds United.

The Damned United has recently been filmed around Yorkshire and is due for release next year.