Film to boost Scarborough tourism

Leader of the Scarborough County Council Derek Bastiman and wife Lynn at the Dad's Army regional premiere in Bridlington

The new feature-film was broadcast to selected guests at the regional premiere in Bridlington on Wednesday (3 February) ahead of the general release tomorrow.

The took in many parts of North Yorkshire at Duncombe Park, providing a backdrop to the German Headquarters, the North Yorkshire Moors Railway, Ravenscar, Cloughton and Hummersea near Skinningrove.

East Yorkshire was heavily featured in the film too with Bridlington Old Town being transformed into Walmington-On-Sea while Flamborough, Danes Dyke and Beverley were also seen on big screen.

Council leader Derek Bastiman, who attended the premiere with wife Lynn, said: "Scarborough will benefit too because people who come to the area to see the film locations, such as Bridlington, Flamborough and the North Yorks Moors, will also visit other areas.

"Some of the cast and crew also stayed in Scarborough - it's another positive. It can only be good for the whole area."

Visitors flocked to filming to catch a glimpse of the stars such as Catherine Zeta-Jones, Bill Nighy and Michael Gambon in action, while some were lucky enough to feature in the film including a Scout group from Pickering.

Actress Felicity Montagu, who plays new character Mrs Mainwaring in the production, spoke to The Scarborough News about her time filming in the region.

She said: "I was brought up in Leeds until I was 13 so I know the North Yorks Moors and the Yorkshire Dales.

"It is exceptionally good fun to film. From the top there was a wonderful spirit with the cast and crew. It was a fantastic experience.

"It was great to return to Yorkshire. We spent time in Scarborough and coming back to the area reminded me of what a beautiful place the east coast is with the wonderful cliffs and the sea."

Mrs Mainwaring has also given her orders to Dad's Army fans ahead of the film's general release.

"It is very exciting. I hope everyone goes to see it, that's my order!"

The Stephen Joseph Theatre, Scarborough, is screening the film from Monday February 22 until Wednesday March 2. It is on at the Pavilion in Whitby from February 19 to February 25.