FORMER Blackburn MP Barbara Castle is to be portrayed in a major film celebrating one of her biggest successes.

Mrs Castle, who was the town's MP for 35 years and became Baroness Castle of Blackburn, will be played by award-winning actress Miranda Richardson in Made in Dagenham.

The film, directed by the man behind Calendar Girls, celebrates the 300 women workers at the East London Ford car plant who went on strike for equal pay in 1968.

Mrs Castle, then Employment Secretary, met the women to hear their concerns and guided the Equal Pay Act through the male-dominated Parliament two years later.

Mrs Castle is a central character in the film, with a ‘smart and sexy’ portrayal of the political firebrand.

Janet Anderson, the former MP for Rossendale and Darwen, worked closely with the controversial MP, running her constituency office from 1974-1981.

She said: “Barbara was feisty, determined and a great believer and campaigner for the equal rights of women.

“I think Miranda Richardson is the perfect choice to play her as she is hugely talented.

"She’s also very glamorous and that would have pleased Barbara, who was always meticulous about her appearance.

“When I worked for her I always had to set aside time for her make-up and hair before every appearance – even if it was on the radio.”

Made In Dagenham also stars Sally Hawkins, who is being tipped for Hollywood stardom thanks to her role as protagonist Rita O’Grady.

Bob Hoskins and Kenneth Cranham play the lead males.

BBC Films, the UK Film Council and Audley Films are behind the project, and the distributer will be Paramount Pictures.

Its British release is September and in November for America.

Advanced screenings have drawn critics’ praise, with predictions it could be the next Full Monty.

Anne Perkins wrote a biography of Mrs Castle, Red Queen, published in 2003.

She said: “Equality was something she fought for in many different ways.

“I’m sure she would have been thrilled that someone as well known as Miranda Richardson is playing the role.”