Bollywood heads to Yorkshire

Bollywood's biggest names were out on the town last night, preparing for the Indian film industry's equivalent of the Oscars.

But they are not in Mumbai - a touch of Indian cinema has hit the Yorkshire town of Castleford.

The Bollywood juggernaut has moved into the region, bringing some of its biggest stars and a £10 million boost to the region with it.

After days of premieres and parties, the main award ceremony will take place on Saturday night - and an estimated 500 million viewers will be tuning into Yorkshire.

Amithab Bachchan, India's best-loved cinema star, says Yorkshire deserves the worldwide attention that comes from hosting the event.

He said: "I have been meeting the people of this wonderful land. I am just so appreciative of the warmth, their affection, their love - not just for Indian cinema but for the entire culture."

Every year Bollywood makes around £200 million for the British economy and that figure is rising by 25 per cent each year.

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