Hollywood director's debt to Helensburgh

HOLLYWOOD director Tom Vaughan has backed plans for a new arts centre in his home town on the firth of Clyde.

The Starter For Ten and What Happens In Vegas director has just finished directing Miley Cyrus in her latest film So Undercover.

He said he hoped the new centre in Helensburgh, Argyll and Bute, would inspire others to follow in his footsteps.

Planning permission has already been given for a former Victorian warehouse to be converted into a three-storey arts and entertainment centre, with two digital auditoriums, a 1950s-style diner and an arts space.

Mr Vaughan said: "Helensburgh is where I saw my first movies and made my first attempts at film-making. I went from watching Harrison Ford in the original Star Wars at the old La Scala cinema to directing him in my own film many years later.

"It's a long journey but one that started in Helensburgh and I'm sure that this centre, which I wholeheartedly support, will provide similar inspiration for the young people of the town."

The plan to transform the warehouse has been put forward by charity Helensburgh Heroes.