A MAN born and bred in Saltcoats is planning to turn his very own short story into a short film.

Though to get started on his journey, he says he needs the help of the community.

Eddie Clarke spoke to the Herald about his ambitions for his short tale - The Backdater.

This is something which he has based loosely around some of his own experiences from his time growing up in Saltcoats.

Now living elsewhere, he said: "The longer I have been away, something always draws you back," which is why he has chosen to set his film in his hometown.

Eddie, a former St Andrew's Academy pupil, also told about how some parts of the stories can be "quite harrowing".

He has been open about his battle with addiction, and has been in recovery for around nine years now.

He added: " I’m passionate about letting others hear the challenges individuals face when trapped in addiction.

"Through my short stories and hopefully short films, I will be able to carry a message of hope and understanding, challenging stigma from wider society."

While the film Eddie is planning is just "a short chapter" from his wider short story, he is hoping people can take a lot from it.

He explained: "All funds raised will go towards filming of my story ‘The Backdater’, which explores a day in the life of a young Saltcoats man named ‘Gydo’ and his best friend Spammy, and how life for those suffering from addiction can take you from a state of ecstasy to despair in a matter of hours."

Eddie is now working in the rehabillitation sector himself, and also hopes this project can help others who have been in situations similar to his own.

He continued: “It’s not my project, it’s a community project.

"All people involved in the acting will be individuals within recovery themselves, hence letting themselves and others know the endless talent of those who once couldn’t find a way out."

It is a project Eddie hopes to take further in future, though he needs help to get things started.

He plans to fundraise himself further down the line, but is now reaching out to anyone who would like to help.

If you are interested in Eddie's film project - you can find his gofundme page online at tinyurl.com/TheBackdater.