Stephen King sells film rights to Blaenau Gwent students for £1

A group of young people at a Blaenau Gwent film group have signed a deal with horror novelist Stephen King to adapt one of his short stories into a film.

Tutor Kevin Phillips at Blaenau Gwent Film Academy wrote to the office of Stephen King to seek his support from the project.

A reply came within 24 hours giving them the rights to the short film for just £1.

'It is great for our students who are fans of his writing and a great scoop for the Academy,' Kevin said.

Students at the academy expressed their surprise that the novelist granted his permission for the film to be made.

'I can't believe we have this opportunity,' student Alfie Evans said.

'I'm a huge fan and to be working on this is like a dream come true.'

The film academy is for 7 - 18 year olds and is the first of its kind which is free for young people to attend. Over 70 members help make films which have been entered into film festival around the world.

The Stephen King story which they will adapt is 'Stationary Bike'. In it, an artist tries to lose weight with horrifying consequences.

Casting is currently underway and the group hope to start filming before Christmas.