THE inspirational story of a man born with a spine defect who has battled his way to fitness has been made into a film.

Afzal Araf was unable to walk until he was eight due to spina bifida, a birth defect which deforms the spine and affects the nervous system.

The 24-year-old has had 22 operations.

He was also bullied at school because he could not walk very well. As a result, he was embarrassed to take part in sports and so put on weight.

But Afzal, of Normanton, has now shed four stone after training six nights a week for a year at One Nation Gym.

And his story has inspired Duffield film-maker Mark Whitfield to produce a DVD called Afzal Araf...Anything You Can Do I Can Do.

Afzal said: "Growing up, I felt excluded by society.

"I was badly bullied at secondary school and hated how different my body was."

After leaving school, Afzal tried to join several gyms but found them too intimidating.

Then he found One Nation, in Stanhope Street, Normanton, run by former professional boxer Clive Fearon, who developed a special training programme for him.

Afzal said he felt better and more confident now than he had ever done.

Mark, of Film Studios, made the DVD with Gavin Repton. Mark said he was inspired by Afzal's determination.

He said: "To stride into that gym in Normanton and not leave until he was fitter is an awesome accomplishment."

The film is out now, priced £9.99.

To order, call Derby 843939 or visit www.localdvds.co.uk.