The 1988 Omagh bombing, in which 29 people died when a 500lb car bomb exploded in the centre of the Northern Ireland market town, is to be the subject of a film.

The movie, which is being made with the full co-operation of the families involved, will focus on the aftermath of the disaster and the struggle of its victims to come to terms with the devastation and find justice.

Chairman of the Omagh Victims' Group Michael Gallagher told Reuters: We've had a lot of consultation with the people making the film, which is basically the story of the families' fight for truth and justice over the past five years.

"People don't really understand the struggle the families had, and we hope that this will be a good medium to bring it to a wider audience."

The bombing, which was carried out by IRA splinter group the Real IRA, was the single bloodiest attack in Northern Ireland during the 30-year Troubles. No one has ever been charged with murder by the police.

The production crew have already been on location in the Republic of Ireland recreating the bomb-blast and subsequent devastation. Mr Gallagher, whose son was killed in the explosion, said he had met the man due to play him.

"It is strange to meet somebody playing yourself," he said. "He's a very nice person, and he's originally from Omagh, so I'm sure he'll bring more meaning to the film."

The film's screenplay has been co-written by Guy Hibbert and Paul Greengrass, who was behind the award-winning film Bloody Sunday, about a 1972 civil rights march in Derry when British troops shot 13 people dead.