A HOLLYWOOD film based on the life of an English drug addict is to have scenes shot on the streets of Preston.

Around 20 years ago, Stephen Smith was a drug addict living rough on the streets of various towns - including Preston - before a chance meeting with a German student transformed his life.

Now, his best-selling book, Addict, is to be made into a film with producer Gary Kurtz, whose work includes Star Wars and American Graffiti.

Stephen, pictured (right) with Gary, spent more than 20 years as a homeless addict and often turned to crime to feed his habit.

He was placed in an asylum by his family as a child for getting into trouble and suffered abuse at the hands of a doctor who gave him amphetamines - the drug which Stephen came to depend upon.

He even met the infamous jewel thief Gentleman George in London and helped him the night he robbed Sophia Loren in Elstree and a penthouse on Eaton Square.

At one stage, he took so many drugs that he believed he had received a message from God telling him to help the poor - like his childhood hero Robin Hood.

He fled back to London and hid stolen money in various places before being admitted to a psychiatric unit and undergoing electric shock treatment.

Years of slumming in various towns followed before he met a German student Hannelore, who helped him beat his drug addiction. They have since married and raised a family.

Simon said: "I sent a synopsis of the book to studios in America and Colombia pictures called back asking me send a copy of the book to producer Gary Kurtz who was in London.

"I sent a copy immediately and called Gary, who told me he'd bought a copy of it four weeks earlier and had been trying to contact me!

"That is when we started talking about turning my story into a film. I feel it is a story that has to be told.

"We came to Preston and had a look at the Ribbleton Lane area and the Savick estate to help me remember exactly where I was sleeping.

"We hope to film in the town centre this summer."

A young male and female with local accents are needed for small parts in the film, as are several extras. Anyone interested should write to Gary Kurtz, c/o 2 Blake Close, Galley Common, Nuneaton, Warwickshire CV10 9RQ.

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