Paul Brannigan, star of the film Angels' Share, is supporting a campaign for people to join the national Children's Panel.

Brannigan, 27, who had a difficult upbringing in Glasgow's east end, went in front of the panel as a child and is calling for more young men to get involved.

He launched the nationwide search yesterday for the 500 people needed to volunteer their time to take part in the Children's Panel.

Brannigan said his experience of growing up with parents in Glasgow who were addicted to heroin, him taking drugs at age 11 and being involved in a gun battle at age 17 made him want to get involved.

He said: "I've been there myself - I've been on the receiving end of decisions about your life and not having an understanding of what's going on.

"I'm very empathetic towards the kids and I'm about making solutions."