AN actress from Bury is to feature on the big screen - and help stop domestic violence.

Joanne Venet (40), of Chapeltown Road, Outwood, will play a woman who is abused by her partner in Wishful Thinking by Salford writer Simon Powell,

The film is to be shown at Red Cinema at The Lowry on November 11, as part of this year's Salford Film Festival. And there are already plans for it to be used by the Home Office to help combat domestic abuse.

The story tells of Sam Langford who returns to see his dying father, James, after an absence of 19 years. His father is hoping for forgiveness for placing fear into his life when Sam was a youngster. The film portrays Sams childhood fears and the nightmare of living with domestic violence..

Joanne said: "I auditioned for the part at Salford University where they have Channel M and a connection with BAFTA as well. Once I was offered the part we started filming around Salford."

Joanne has already had bit parts in the TV dramas Cold Feet and My Wonderful Life, and is looking forward to the film being shown.

She said: "The film tells the tale of the writers childhood. You see his father, the abuser, in a normal everyday role, going about his normal life. But what people on the outside of the family don't see is the abuse and misery he brings. It just shows that it can happen to any family."