A BAFTA-award winning film director has pledged his support for a Waltham Forest human rights group.

Director Michael Winterbottom praised Waltham Forest Amnesty International yesterday following a successful film night highlighting the plight of refugees.

The event, part of Leytonstone festival, was in support of the 'Still Human Still Here' campaign and included speakers from Zimbabwe and Albania with personal experience of seeking asylum in the UK.

The film director had already given his support to the group by allowing them to screen 'In this World', his critically acclaimed film following the perilous journey to the UK made by two Afghan refugees.

Mr Winterbottom said: "I am pleased to support the work of Waltham Forest Amnesty International in highlighting the appalling plight of asylum seekers in Britain."

Jed Wood, from Waltham Forest Amnesty International, said: "We were delighted that Michael Winterbottom gave us permission to show his film at the Leytonstone Festival.

"But it was the icing on the cake when he went a step further and spoke out in support of our work.

"Having such a high-profile figure recognise the work of a local group like ours is very rewarding and we will go on to work for greater awareness of those seeking refuge in the UK and the terrible circumstances they often endure.’