THE father of film director Danny Boyle has spoken of his pride at seeing his son sweep the board at the BAFTAs.

Frank Boyle, aged 88, wept tears of joy as he watched the awards ceremony on TV at his home in Radcliffe.

Danny won the award for best director with Slumdog Millionaire, as well as picking up best film and five other awards.

His proud father, Frank, said: “It was absolutely brilliant. I was weeping for Danny. I watched it at home and I was shouting his name at the TV before they announced it. It was wonderful to see him do so well. I couldn’t wish for anything more.

“I wouldn’t have minded going to London but it would have been a bit of a journey, especially at my age.”

Danny is now set for even bigger success, as his film has been nominated for 10 awards at the Oscars, which will be held on February 22.

Mr Boyle, who spent many years working at Kearsley Power Station in Bolton, said: “I would love to go to see him at the Oscars. He’s got every chance of winning and I really hope he does.”

Sunday proved to be an eventful day for Mr Boyle after an electrical problem meant there was a last-minute dash to ensure his television worked.

Luckily, help from his neighbours meant that he was able to watch the coverage after all.

And he beamed with pride as his son spoke about the incident while accepting his award in London.

Danny said: “The wiring in my dad’s house blew overnight and it’s a big shout out to everyone who helped him get the extension cable in so he could watch this.”

Mr Boyle said: “I was worried that I wouldn’t be able to see him get the awards, but it all worked out in the end. It was nice of him to remember me when he gave his speech. It was marvellous.”

Danny, aged 52, has come a long way since his humble beginnings in Holland Street, in Radcliffe.

The family spent many years using a tin bath, before they received a grant to pay for a modern bathroom. Danny enjoyed summer holidays in Blackpool with his parents and sisters, Maria and Bernadette.

Danny was a pupil at Thornleigh Salesian College in Bolton, where he developed an interest in theatre and directed his first play. He later studied at the University of Wales in Bangor and began a career in theatre and television.

It was film-making where Danny really made his mark, with success as director of Shallow Grave and Trainspotting. Despite his rise to stardom, Danny frequently returns to Radcliffe to visit his widowed father and watch Bury FC play at Gigg Lane.

Mr Boyle senior also travels to London to spend time with his son and his grandchildren, Grace, Gabriel and Caitlin.