Story of co-operative movement founders to premiere

A film about the Rochdale Pioneers will premiere in Manchester tonight. It tells the story of the 28 men who laid the foundations of the modern co-operative movement in 1844.

The production was filmed in and around Greater Manchester and stars John Henshaw, known for roles in "Looking for Eric" and "Born and Bred".

The Rochdale Pioneers established a co-operative store in Toad Lane, Rochdale, that went on to become the global co-operative movement known worldwide today.

The film was commissioned by The Co-operative Group - whose origins can be traced back to the Rochdale Equitable Pioneers Society.

Directors John Montegrande from Manchester and Adam Lee Hamilton from Oldham recruited many of the cast and crew from the local community to work alongside the more established actors.

The stars of the film will meet at The Midland Hotel before the screening at The Exchange Auditorium.