NEXT week sees two special film screenings by the Chagford Filmmaking Group, including the world premiere of their latest production.

The group has recently finished work on 'The Laidley Worm of Spindleston Heugh' , a multi-layered Northumbrian tale of a princess turned into a dragon by a wicked witch.

The 40-minute film features local children in many of the roles, and familiar fairytale staples like scary imps, and the wicked stepmother. The film was made by dozens of volunteers and industry professionals to create the production of the traditional English ballad.

The group is a non-profit organisation dedicated to preserving the nation's folklore and fairytale heritage through film. It provides opportunities for children and young people to work alongside industry professionals and get an insight into how film production works.

The premiere takes place at the Exeter Picturehouse on Sunday, April 29 at 11am. Tickets cost £7 for adults and £5 for children, and are available from Sally's Newsagents in Chagford or online at http://www.fairytalefilms.co.uk">www.fairytalefilms.co.uk

For aficionados of classic silent film, the group is also putting on a special screening of the 1924 film The Thief of Baghdad starring Douglas Fairbanks.

The flamboyant and ambitious film takes the viewer on an exciting adventure full of flying carpets, winged horses and enchanted forests.

The viewing will also premiere a new harp score composed and performed by Elizabeth-Jane Baldry.

Tickets cost £8 and wine will be available before and after the showing. They are available at the Fairy Tale Films website or at Sally's Newsagents.

To find out more about the Chagford Filmmaking Group, visit http://www.fairytalefilms.co.uk">www.fairytalefilms.co.uk