AN ACTOR and film-maker has taken to the streets of his home town to create a warning about the dangers of texting while driving.

Philip Svejnoha was part of a crew who descended on the centre of Kirkby Lonsdale to film a hard-hitting short film after becoming 'sick to the back teeth' of motorists using mobile phones behind the wheel.

"I'm really fed up of them," he said. "You see it a lot round here - people driving down the A65 and going up into the Lakes, and they only have one hand on the wheel and they're not concentrating on the road.

"We need to make the public aware of the risks and that's why we made this film."

Mr Svejnoha played one of the lead parts in the film, while seven other actors were drafted in to play parts including his daughter, paramedics and police officers.

Overseen by award-winning director, Lee Rielly, the crew spent 10 hours in Kirkby Lonsdale filming in various locations, including the grounds of St Mary's Parish Church, the side of the Sun Inn and the main square.

Cumbria Constabulary also agreed to help with the filming, lending the crew a police car which was used in the background of a shot.

"It looked so real we had someone stop in a taxi who was a paramedic, who offered to help us," continued Mr Svejnoha, who has previously worked with comedienne, Victoria Wood.

"She was quite concerned so we had to reassure her everything was fine!"

The two-minute creation centres around a father, his daughter and a motorist who is too busy texting to pay attention to the surroundings.

"People might say it's hard-hitting but how else can we convey the message?" added the 57-year-old.

"We've got to tell people that someone could die if people don't become more careful behind the wheel."

The film - 'Text and Drive 2' - is a 'harder' follow-up to a film made last year which received around 7,500 views online.

The latest creation is now available to view by searching for 'Lee Rielly Films' on YouTube.