A documentary film about Barnet, which is to premiere in March, has been given the thumbs-up by a popular director.

Ken Loach, director of Kes, has given the seal of approval to Charles Honderick's Tale of Two Barnets.

Film-maker Charles Honderick, whose mother was from Barnet, spent six months interviewing Barnet’s residents about their lives, experiences and the issues they face.

He has used these interviews, including some from councillors, to create a 30-minute film which gives a voice to marginalised people.

Mr Loach said: "Remember the welfare state which established after the Second World War where the basis was we were stronger as a team than we were as individuals, we need to remember that again.

“Enjoy the film, good luck to the campaign, and let’s make it count.”

The film-maker said: “This was really a labour of love, to highlight the issues affecting residents and to give them a voice to effect change.”

The film looks at issues including parking, businesses closing and the needs of vulnerable people.

Mr Honderick said: “A lot of people are upset and feel marginalised; this enabled them to vent their frustrations.

“For example, I spoke to a quadriplegic guy who had just been taken off disability allowance and put on jobseekers allowance out of the blue.”

A Tale of Two Barnets was inspired by the 200th birthday of Charles Dickens, who was a regular visitor to Barnet.

Mr Honderick wanted to see how the area has changed since Dickens was there.

The film-maker, who grew up in Florida, said: “I hope the council and voters will see it as not everyone knows about these issues.

“I think the film will also be of interest to people outside of Barnet because it is a little slice of London which will resonate with people.

“A lot of people out there feel they are being marginalised.”

The film will premiere at The Phoenix Cinema in East Finchley on March 19, at 6pm.

Mr Honderick has also just been told that an MP has accepted his invitation to show the film in the House of Commons.