Blind Dave film lands Los Angeles movie prize

From The Hawthorns to Hollywood.

Left to right, lead actor Jack Lane, Charlie Bowell who played a young Dave, Co-director Dominic Higgins, 'Blind Dave' Heeley, producer Nigel Martin Davey and Co-director Ian Higgins

A film telling the life story of 'Blind Dave' Heeley has won an award at a Los Angeles film festival.

In the city famed for hosting the Oscars, the biopic on the West Bromwich charity champion has sealed a gong for its filmmakers.

7 Days: The story of Blind Dave Heeley won the grand jury prize for short film at the Los Angeles Motion Picture Festival.

Big Baggies fan, Dave, said he was delighted for the film's producer Nigel Davey and directors Ian and Dominic Higgins.

Dave Heeley at the film's premiere in February

"I'm just a bloke from West Bromwich. To think there's people in Los Angeles getting to see it is unbelievable," Dave said.

"I'm so pleased that the hard work of the guys is being recognised."

The festival, which is based in Malibu on the California coast, looks to recognise emerging and established filmmakers across the world.

It announced the award win online last weekend. And its not the first honour the film has received.

It won the monthly prize at the Oniros Film Awards.

Dave has supported good causes in the Midlands including The Albion Foundation

The awards are promoted through Internet Movie Database (IMDb) and is based in Aosta, Italy, and aim to celebrate films from all around the world.

The biopic recounts the keen Baggies fan's epic seven marathons, in seven continents, in seven days challenge and explores how he came to terms with his degenerative sight condition.

Birmingham-born producer Nigel said: "It is brilliant. Now we can say we have an award-winning film."

The film premiered at The Birmingham Rep theatre in February.

WATCH: Highlights from the film premiere

People will be able to watch the film on the big screens at The Hawthorns at an event on May 26.

Guests can spend time on the pitch ahead of the screening, which will be viewed from the West Stand before a live Q and A with the fundraiser.

Adult tickets cost £5 and child's £2 with all proceeds going to The Albion Foundation.

Doors open at 5.30pm for a 6.30pm screening.

Dave travelled with his family and others to trek along the Great Wall of China

It is hoped the film will be released to the public in the coming weeks.

It comes as Dave is busy with preparations to take on the London Marathon this Sunday.

He is using the event as preparation for one of his main fundraising goals this year - taking on the Comrades ultra marathon in June in South Africa.

Last October, Dave was joined by his family to take on a charity trek along the Great Wall of China.

The family were part of a 22-strong group flying out to complete the 60-mile walk.

It included trustee for the foundation and West Brom legend, Brendon Batson, and Michelle and Julia Regis – with half of their funds going to the foundation and the Cyrille Regis Legacy Trust.