THE red carpet awaits at this year’s BAFTAs for an East Lancashire film-maker after he was nominated for his role in a Hollywood blockbuster.

Matthew Newman, 36, from Simonstone, was the editor of Drive, starring Ryan Gosling, which tells the story of a stunt man who moonlights as a getaway driver.

Matthew, a former pupil at Simonstone Primary and Gawthorpe High School, is up against other eminent titles The Artist, Hugo, Senna and Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy for the ‘best editor’ accolade.

Matthewm who now lives in Berlin with wife Stefanie and children Marie Josephine and Joel, has previously worked on the feature film Bronson.

His television work includes editing episodes of Doctor Who, Miss Marple and Victoria Woods’ play Housewife 49.

His ‘very proud’ parents, Philip and Brenda Newman live at Woodside Road, Simonstone. His dad described the nomination as a ‘dream come true’.

Matthew is currently in Thailand, making the sequel to Drive and has aspirations to become a director. He worked on his first Hollywood film 10 years ago and has been working his way up since.

He had his first taste of Hollywood when he worked as a production assistant on Martin Scorsese’s award-winning “Gangs of New York”.

Mr Newman said his ‘delighted’ son had called when he thought he had been nominated and had been in contact with his parents via email about his experiences on set in LA.

Mr Newman said it was a ‘fantastic achievement’ for Matthew, who was making and editing his own films from the age of 15.

Drive is also nominated in three other BAFTA categories, for Best Film, Best Director and Best Supporting Actress.

The BAFTAs take place in London on Sunday, February 12 with live coverage on BBC1 and a red carpet show on BBC3 prior to the event.