FILM director twins from Blackburn have enlisted the help of a James Bond star in their bid to pick up the most coveted prize in the industry - an Oscar.

Bashford brothers Liam and Kyle, 26, have written and directed a short film with veteran actor Julian Glover, who has previously appeared in Star Wars The Empire Strikes Back, Indiana Jones and The Last Crusade and in several episodes of Game of Thrones.

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Based on the events of 9/11, Then & Now has already been selected at the Oscar-qualifying Rhode Island Film Festival as well as the New York Short Film Festival and picked up a brace of awards in London.

Glover, who played Bond villain Aristotle Kristatos in For Your Eyes Only, plays the central character whose story and connection to the September 11, 2001 disaster is shown though a series of flashbacks.

The former Blackburn College students, who directed the film as well as co-writing it with producer Matt Hookings, are already looking to the future with their debut feature film.

Liam said the pair had to keep tight-lipped about the project, but did reveal that casting will start in June.

He said: “It was amazing to work with Julian Glover but also to get to know him as well.

“When we cast him he was performing in the West End production of The Scottsboro Boys and we went out for a drink and talked about the project and also his career.

“To work with someone you have been watching on screen all your life was quite an experience and he gave us lots of advice but also came to us for reassurance about his performance during the shoot.

“The idea for the film first came from Matt and we worked on it to get it to its current state. I’m extremely proud of it and it’s amazing to see how well it has been doing. Our aim was always to become the first twins to win an Oscar and this is a step towards that.”

Jamie Holman, lecturer in media at Blackburn College, said: “Kyle and Liam excelled during their time at Blackburn College.

“We are all overjoyed that their dedication, persistence and talent has paid off.”