A CHARITY supporting blind and partially sighting people in Dorset is set to host a premiere of a new film starring Hugh Grant and Meryl Streep.

The Dorset Blind Association will hold the only charity premiere of Florence Foster Jenkins, which has been directed by the charity's patron Stephen Frears.

The screening is being held at 7pm on Tuesday, May 3 at Odeon ABC in Bournemouth.

Ticket sales will contribute to the charity’s work bringing happiness to blind and partially sighted people.

The film tells the story of the last few years of Florence’s unconventional singing career.

It has been directed by BAFTA award winning Mr Frears, who also directed award-winning films Philomena and The Queen.

Mr Frears has made the screening possible, thanks also to the approval of Pathe Productions Limited and 20th Century FOX.

Manager of the Odeon cinemas in Bournemouth Spencer Clark offered its largest screen and entrance area to the charity, free of charge for the evening.

The screening will be a black tie event with a red carpet rolled out and an after show party.

Invited guests will be among the guests, including the charity's president James Weld of the Lulworth Estate as well as patrons Mr Frears, Lord Fellowes of West Stafford and his wife Lady Emma Fellowes.

Mr Frears said: "I have a son who is almost completely blind and has taught me much.

"My admiration for the Dorset Blind Association is limitless. Naturally I support them".

Mr Frears son Sam enjoys attending Dorset Blind Association activities for people with sight loss.

He is himself in the entertainment industry, and has acted alongside a number of stars and is currently working on a project with Nick Hornby and Helena Bonham Carter.

Sam was born in 1972 with a rare genetic disorder called Familial Dysautonomia.

When he was born he had 50 per cent chance of making it to his fifth birthday but now, despite his sight-loss, is pursuing a successful acting career.

Funds raised at the premiere will go towards the charity’s social and activity clubs that are available to the approximately 35,000 people living with sight loss in Dorset.

Jaya DaCosta from the Dorset Blind Association said: “We are absolutely delighted that such a successful and respected individual recognises the value of our work and has allowed us this one-in-a-million chance to promote and raise funds for our charity.

"We are incredibly excited about this spectacular event and grateful to the kind people who have made it a possibility.”

To buy tickets visit ffj.eventbrite.co.uk or call 01202 712865.

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