by Sian Napier

A new horror film has just finished shooting - and its backdrop is spookily similar to Whitstable!

In fact the film uses locations including the Rose in Bloom pub in Joy Lane, the harbour and Tankerton Slopes.

Made by former Faversham man Lee Alliston, who runs his own company Darkside Pictures, the film is now being edited and he hopes it will be released in April.

"I don't want to say too much about the film at the moment but I think it is very good," said Mr Alliston, who grew up in Faversham and now lives in Yorkletts.

"It was also shot at other locations around Whitstable and at my home."

The film was written by Scott Bates and he and Mr Alliston both directed it. Mr Alliston is also producing the horror film and is taking on some of the roles.

Mr Alliston, 48, who attended Ethelbert Road Primary School in Faversham, has been working in the film industry for more than 20 years. He also produces films for Bollywood and has an office in Mumbai. When he is not shooting in this country he is working on projects in India.

He paid for the costs of the horror film, which stars up-and-coming actors Jason Maza and Arnold Oceng, as well as actress Natasha Sparkes.

Mr Alliston, who was also educated at a drama school in Florida, said: "After living in Florida I returned to the UK but didn't earn enough money as an actor so I became a location director. I have been working in Bollywood now for some years. I'd love to make more films and already have four or five scripts to work on but I just need the money to make them."

His first film was Getting Out which starred Michelle Collins (EastEnders) and which he produced and appeared in.

He has a daughter of 13 who lives in Faversham and a son of 26.

• To contact Mr Alliston email him at Leealliston@btinternet.com or see the website at www.darksidepictures.co.uk