The story of the soldier from the Shropshire border who died at the controversial Deepcut army barracks has been turned into a play at the Edinburgh Festival.

Private Cheryl James was one of four young soldiers who died from gunshot wounds at Deepcut Barracks in Surrey between 1995 and 2002.

The deaths raised questions about a culture of bullying in the army training centre.

Deep Cut, by Philip Ralph, tells of the heartbreak of Cheryl’s parents, Doreen and Des James, from Llanymynech, near Oswestry, and their fight for justice.

Today Mr James said that being involved in the writing of the play had been a difficult experience but said he hoped it would help bring about a public inquiry and prevent further deaths.

“Deepcut is a national scandal and, if it does nothing else, then it will bring that scandal into the public eye,” he said.”This all began about three years ago as part of the fight for a public inquiry.

“Without a public inquiry I am convinced, and I hope I am wrong, that there will be more deaths,” he added.

Deep Cut the play will preview at the Sherman Theatre in Cardiff at the end of July before moving to the Fringe Festival in August. It will return to Wales to complete it’s run in September.

Edinburgh Festival fever has taken off with celebrities Keira Knightley and Sienna Miller on the red carpet last night at the Edinburgh International Film Festival for the world premiere of the film, The Edge Of Love.