A TELEVISION drama will tell the tragic story of teenager Sophie Lancaster 10 years after she was brutally killed.

'Murdered for Being Different' will tell the story of how the 20-year-old from Haslingden was beaten to death by a gang because she dressed as a Goth.

Her boyfriend Robert Maltby, who has worked closely with the team on the film, was also severely beaten during the incident in Stubbeylee Park, Bacup in 2007.

The show has been made by the same award winning team behind BBC Three's Murdered by my Boyfriend, Don't Take My Baby and Murdered by My Father.

The factual drama was given the full backing of Sophie's family and the police investigating team who worked with the team.

It stars Abigail Lawrie, known for The Casual Vacancy and The Man with the Iron Heart, as Sophie and My Mad Fat Diary star Nico Mirallegro as Robert.

Sally Lindsay, who played Shelley in Coronation Street, plays Sylvia and Chris Coghill, from Eastenders and recently seen in Line of Duty, plays Rob's dad.

Alison Kirkham, BBC factual controller, said: "This factual drama is the true story of a young relationship and of the violence and chaos that destroyed their lives, for simply being different.

"In the aftermath of the attack, 'Murdered For Being Different' also follows the story of one teenage witness who struggles with the need to speak out against the attackers and stand up for what is right.

"Made on the 10th anniversary of Sophie's death, this film is both a love story and a forensic examination of the causes and consequences of a brutal attack.

"It will be the centrepiece programme in a BBC Three season exploring identity."

It is the second time Sophie's story has been told on screen after a play Black Roses: The Killing Of Sophie Lancaster which starred Accrington actress Julie Hesmondhalgh and poems by Simon Armitage was adapted for BBC4 in 2015.

The show will be available on BBC Three on the Iplayer later this month.

Sophie's story was also the focus of a Channel 5 documentary 'When Kids Kill' which was due to be aired last night.