A film company is taking an unusual approach to casting by printing a lonely hearts-style advert to find a hunky man for a leading part in a football-based comedy.

Hove-based film makers Eview Entertainment wants a large, fit, Afro-Caribbean man to step forward and steal the limelight.

The company is holding auditions for an eight-part series called Newhaven Port - a mock documentary-style show about a lowly football club.

One of the main characters is Clarence N'Koko, a striker with a strong Nigerian accent who has six children and enjoys middle of the road music.

His strained relationship with eccentric manager Dougie Christmas, played by Roger O'Hara, is one of the main components of the comedy, which took eight months to write.

Clarence has very limited English and has very few lines in the series but his role is a pivotal one, which brings out some of the less appealing sides of Dougie's character.

It is not the first time Eview has sent out requests for actors with specific talents. Earlier this year the company asked for actors with convincing American accents.

It is now looking for someone to play the part of a black star striker who works as a carpenter and turns heads whenever he enters a room.

Production co-ordinator Suzy Kirkwood said: "The response for the other characters has been fantastic with more than 250 applications.

"But because of the specific requirements of Clarence, we have only had about ten possible candidates. For that reason we have said acting experience is not required.

"So long as we get someone who looks the part, with a strong, imposing physique, maybe a Les Ferdinand or a Sol Campbell, that would be great."

The comedy, written by Matt Windsor and Warren Dudley, will be in the same vein as hit BBC2 show The Office.

Auditions and rehearsals for the show will take place next month in Lewes. Filming will be on location in Newhaven in October.

Actors involved in the pilot of episode one will be expected to work for little or no money. Travel expenses will be paid. If interested, call Eview on 07785 585040.