A DARWEN-BORN TV cameraman will be honoured with a special 'birthday' screening in the town of the film tackling the issue of depression during the making of which he took his own life.

Billy Yates, the boyfriend of TV and radio presenter Zoe Ball, killed himself at his South Landon home in May last year during the production of ‘I Made This For You' in which he made a rare appearance as an actor.

The feature written and directed his friend Cristian Solimeno deals with the often taboo subjects of suicide and depression retaining a lively sense of humour in a bid to open up discussions on the issues.

Mr Yates, originally from Darwen, had worked on programmes including the Antiques Roadshow and The X-Factor.

Now Mr Solimeno has organised a special screening to celebrate what would have been Billy’s 42nd birthday on Friday, September 14 in his home town at Darwen's Level One L1VE.

He said: "While we were in post-production, Billy took his own life. He was a really good mate of mine. It’s crazy to think that while you’re in the middle of making this thing, someone I loved was in great danger, and I didn’t clock it. And he fell right through.

"There was a massive sense of duty to all the people involved to finish the film but a sense of duty to Billy in particular. I think he would have been really proud of it. People have been massively touched by it. ”

The film depicts lead character Al and his friend Danny’s quest to rescue him from despair by making a DVD to show him how much he is loved and would be missed.

The announcement of the special screening follows Monday's public vigil for World Suicide Prevention Day outside Blackburn Town Hall.

Cllr Brian Taylor, Blackburn with Darwen Council's adult care boss, said: “Billy’s death is another tragic example of a life cut far too short. It is however great that this film can exist as a legacy to him and help create a positive dialogue on mental health and suicide prevention.

" Our World Suicide Prevention Day vigil was the start of a focussed effort in the borough to raise awareness including joining forces with the Zero Suicide Alliance to promote free online suicide prevention training.”

Mr Yates, father David and other family members still live in the Darwen area.