MISERABLE and tired-looking northerners are being sought out to feature alongside Maxine Peake.

The Bolton-born actress is set to star in the feature film based on the1819 Peterloo Massacre in Manchester.

The unusual call was made by Piece of Cake casting, seeking people who look 'downtrodden, tired, overworked and a bit hard done by' to appear as extras.

Directors are looking for men with longer, collar-length hair who look 'really miserable'.

The film’s release is expected to coincide with the massacre’s 200th anniversary in 2019.