IT'S not quite Cannes or Venice - but this summer Lancaster will be the venue for the world's newest film festival.

The idea of local stunt man Martin Shenton, it is hoped that the festival will get bigger each year and put the city on the film industry map.

The City Council's Arts and Events Service has joined forces with the Folly Gallery and the Council's Best Centre to organise the event, to be centred at The Dukes Film Theatre.

The festival has also been recognised by North West Vision, part of the British Film Council.

Cllr Tricia Heath, leader of the city council, says: "I am delighted that we are involved in getting this first Film Festival off the ground. We quite rightly claim that this district is the cultural capital of Lancashire and the festival will add weight to that."

She adds: "The potential for the film industry to become involved is enormous and we need to foster and encourage our home-grown talent."

The festival will offer several categories including new media, student films, first film, drama and animation. These categories will be open to anyone in the North Lancashire/South Cumbria area who would like to enter a film.

The first film category will be open to people or organisations in the area who have never exhibited or had a film shown publicly.

The student film category is open to anyone currently studying at a lear-ning institution. Films must not exceed 10 minutes toal running time.

The festival will be held in July with a special awards ceremony on July 13, when it is hoped that a celebrity from the film and motion picture industry will present prizess.

Peter Neaves, project leader of the council's Lancaster Best Centre in St Leonard's House, says: "I know from personal experience that there are some very talented people in this area whose work deserves to be seen and encouraged by a wider audience.

"I aim to make the Lancaster Film Festival a notable event in the film world and a by-word for innovation and new talent. Sadly, with our weather, we will never rival Cannes but we can make this a Festival of which the area can be proud."

Would-be entrants can get an entry form and competition details from Peter Neaves on 388861, by fax on 388054, or by e-mail on bestcentrelancaster@hotmail.com