A film-maker is hoping to take his adaptation of a story about a commuting cat to the big screen.

Mark Collicot, a film-maker at Brighton-based Whitechapel Films, has co-written a screenplay adaptation of the bestselling book, Casper the Commuting Cat.

He has now launched a Kickstarter crowdfunding campaign as one final push to make the story into a film.

Mr Collicot said: “We’ve been lucky enough to raise money through private investors and engage a highly respected and talented cast and crew, but we need just £20,000 more to give this film the production value it deserves.

“We are excited at the idea of doing this through a Kickstarter, as it gives us the opportunity to open up the project to the wider community.”

Casper captured the hearts of millions when his daily 11-mile bus trip around Plymouth was broadcast on the BBC.

However, it was his untimely death by a hit and run driver that caused a huge outpoor of grief around the world and pushed his fame to even greater heights.

His owner Sue Finden, also from Plymouth, wrote a book about his adventures, which quickly became a bestseller and was translated into a number of different languages including Russian and Mandarin.

She said:”He really did touch so many people’s hearts with an aura that is difficult to describe.

“In a world where there is a lot of sadness and loneliness, everyone needs a little Casper in their lives.”

The film is set to be a full-length action feature of Casper’s life and how his owner coped with his sudden rise to superstardom.

After a nationwide search, the film company has found a copycat to play Casper and actress Veronica Roberts, who has previously appeared in Eastenders and Little Britain has been cast as Sue Finden.

The Kickstarter is now live, and rewards for donations include the opportunity to get a picture of you and your cat on the credits and also a small part in the film.

If the Kickstarter is successful, filming will start in Plymouth in September.

To donate to the Kickstarter, visit: www.kickstarter.com/ projects/1640253267/casper-the-commuting-cat.

For more information on Casper, visit: www.facebook.com/casperthecommutingcatfilm.