GUN-TOTING gangsters will hold up a Leigh jewellers on Sunday (March 20)...but don’t worry, it’s all for a film.

The producer chose family jewellers CJ Vinten Goldsmiths, in Leigh Road, as the scene for the film’s finale, a jewellery heist that ends in a shoot-out.

The as-yet untitled short film is being produced by Duncan Tinkler, who was born and bred in Leigh.

He is teaming up with director Mark Mooney, whom he met at Ravensbourne University, in Greenwich, and the film’s star will be Darren Kent, the Westcliff actor who has appeared in hit US fantasy series Game of Thrones.

Lance Vinten, goldsmith and son of the owner, Christopher, said: “Gangsters with guns is not what you normally want in a jewellery store, but we thought it might be a good bit of publicity!

“I’m not sure about making a cameo, I think I’m going to keep out of the way and get on with my work out the back.

“My sister Lily might give some consultation on jewellery selling, but I don’t think she wants to be in front of the camera either.

“The last time we were in the press was a few years ago when a one-armed bandit stole one cufflink but the producers have sent through all their insurance forms so we are hoping nothing will go missing this time!”

Billed as a post-modern gangster film, the plot will see Darren’s character as he leaves prison and examine the impact our choices have on our lives.

Duncan chose the jewellers because his mum used to go there and wanted to keep a local feel for the film’s star.

He said: “Darren’s character is just coming out of prison and has a chance to turn left to a good life, or turn right to a life of crime.

“The film will follow both paths and see how his decisions affect his life – ending with the shootout in the jewellers.

“I’ve known the director Mark for about five or six years now and we had the idea for the film over Christmas so it’s come together quite quickly.

“Everyone in Leigh has been so helpful, I’ve informed the police what we’ll be doing so they won’t be surprised by people with balaclavas and guns going into a jewellery shop.

“Everyone’s really excited about it.”

IN THE NEWS FOR THE WRONG REASONS

CJ Vinten Goldsmiths hit the headlines in February 2010 when a amputee 28-year-old, who became known as the one-armed bandit, stole a single gold cufflink, in the shape of a boxing glove, from their Leigh Road store.

The crook made news when he grabbed the single item, costing £130, after knocking over a display cabinet in the store.

Police issued a CCTV image of him to the press at the time and appealed for other jewellers to be on the lookout for him.

Eventually, the culprit was arrested and soon appeared at Southend Magistrates’ Court where he admitted the crime and also to stealing a watch from Debenhams, in the town centre.

He pleaded guilty to two counts of theft and was ordered to complete a 12-month community sentence and 120 hours of unpaid work.

He also paid £130 compensation to the jeweller and court costs of £105.