Cass, a film about Doncaster-born reformed football thug-turned author Cass Pennant, was given a preview screening at Cineworld in Sheffield.

Stars Tamer Hassan, Joe Egan and producer Stefan Haller joined local extras for the showing ahead of next Monday's official world premier at the Empire in London's Leicester Square.

The film goes on general release on August 1.

Cass and Atonement actor Nonso Anozie, who plays him in the film, were unable to attend.

But in a telephone interview Cass told The Star: "I want to thank everyone in the area who helped with this.

"When I look back on my life I never thought it would be made into a film. But it's here warts and all. I'm thrilled the way things have turned out.''

Doncaster film extra Ricky "Stardust" Butler, who plays a mod in the movie, is also going to the world premiere.

But Stefan said the film makers wanted a local screening after using locations and extras from the area where Cass was born.

An orphaned Jamaican baby, he was adopted and raised by an elderly white couple in 1950s London, but became an outcast where racist bullying was part of everyday life.

He only found respect and acceptance by joining and eventually leading West Ham United's hooligan gang, the notorious ICF, or Inter City Firm.

"Cass changed from being the most feared football hooligan in the country to Britain's best-selling black author and we decided to make a film based on his inspirational best-selling book.

"There are lessons in it for everyone. It's a terrific cast with some superb performances – not least that of Nonso,'' said Stefan.

Co-star Tamer, 40, plays Ray, an ex-con who gives Cass a job on his release from prison. He told The Star: "It's a fantastic film.

"I've been lucky enough to be in Layer Cake, The Football Factory and The Business. Cass will join the list as the next iconic British film – I have no doubt about it.

Tamer has three other movie projects on the go – dark comedy City Rats, football drama Goal III and gangster thriller, K, starring opposite Colin Salmon. But the job he wants most is a licence to thrill.

Tamer, who starred with Daniel Craig in Layer Cake, quipped: "He's a friend and a great actor. But he'd better watch out. I'd love the job. I'd even turn down being a Bond baddie because they say if you've done that you can't be 007."

Ex-boxer Joe Egan, aged 43, described by former sparring partner Mike Tyson as "The Toughest White Man On The Planet", was also at the screening.

He is enjoying a second career as a movie star and will star in Snappers, a British film about the paparazzi, alongside Joss Stone, Linda Lusardi and South Yorkshire comedy genius Toby Foster. He said: "I didn't want to miss this preview showing in Sheffield."

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