Derek Griffiths in south Durham making film about Arthur Wharton

“I’m not really a football fan, never played it, loathed it at school,” said Derek, who spent 10 years in the 1970s fronting Play School, “but this is a story worth telling.

"If you think of the racism on the terraces today and then think back 100 years when there were no laws to abide by in terms of racial prejudice, he must have gone through some hell. To feel that pain as an individual and transport it to film is more than interesting.”

Derek Griffiths in bed at Molly's Tearoom on West Auckland green, with cameraman Paul Robinson, second recordist Terry Sharp and actress Helen Coverdale playing Arthur's landlady

Wharton came from his native Ghana in Africa in the early 1880s to train in Darlington as a missionary. However, he got seduced by sport, notably athletics in 1886, when he equalled the world record by doing 100 yards in exactly 10 seconds while representing Darlington.

He played in goal for the Quakers, reached the semi-finals of the FA Cup with Preston North End in 1887 and then signed professional contracts with Rotherham and Sheffield United, where he became the first black footballer in the top division.

But the film by Darlington director Mike Tweddle is set at the end of Wharton’s life in 1930 when his playing days are long since behind him. He’s practically penniless and estranged from his family in Africa – he chose sport over religion – and distant from his wife.

Derek Griffiths starred in BBC1's Play School from 1971 to 1981. He also was the voice of Bod in the mid-1970s, including writing Bod's memorable theme tune, and in the 1980s was the voice of SuperTed

“He was an alcoholic, unwell, suffering with cancer, suffering from rapid decline when I play him,” said Derek. “How he did not become embittered and not trust anyone I don’t know. Racism was a paramount problem. He suffered at nights with it all, I’m sure.

“His great love was football and athletics – that was his way of enhancing who he was.”

Actor Derek Griffiths who is playing Arthur Wharton in a film he is pictured with Shaun Campbell of the Arthur Wharton Foundation Picture: SARAH CALDECOTT

In the film, called A Light That Never Fades, he is visited in his humble lodgings near Doncaster by two old Skernesider team-mates from Darlington who help him come to realise the great legacy he has left.

Derek was acting his scenes in Molly’s Tea Room and Antiques on the Green at West Auckland, which were chosen for their authentic 1930s feel. He also visited the Arthur Wharton Foundation in Widdowfield Street in Darlington.

“Derek is such a gem to work with – so laid back, so professional and so funny,” said Mike. “He’s really embraced the Arthur Wharton character and we’ve got some fantastic footage.”

It is hoped the film, made with the help of the National Lottery, will be premiered in Darlington in the early summer. It will then be entered into film festivals and the foundation will use it as an educational tool.