CHILDREN'S television favourite Mr Benn is heading for big-screen stardom - and a Blackburn-born movie boss is behind him.

Gary Smith, chief executive of Winchester Films, has already had hits with the romantic comedy Shooting Fish and drama Divorcing Jack.

Now he is hoping to raise £9million to finance two new movies being produced through a new arm of Winchester, UK Films Group plc.

Several big names have already been signed up for the projects.

Mr Benn is based on the BBC children's cartoon series about a man who has exciting adventures whenever he tries on the costumes in the mysterious Shopkeeper's shop.

John Hannah, star of Sliding Doors and Four Weddings and a Funeral, is to play Mr Benn.

Ben Kingsley, star of Gandhi and Schindler's List, will play the Shopkeeper.

Anyone else know a cartoon that should have been made into a film