A RARE chance to be part of a groundbreaking film based on Emily Bronte’s classic novel, Wuthering Heights, comes to Herefordshire next week.

Due for release next year, which is the bicentenary of the author’s birth, the film’s director Elsa Abrahall from Leominster is appealing for extras to help create scenes in and around Kilpeck Church next Tuesday.

Those who volunteer will help form the congregation for the funeral service of the book’s heroine, Catherine Earnshaw.

Previous film adaptations have ended with Catherine’s death, but Elsa, who fell in love with the novel as a seven-year-old, is breaking new ground by covering the entire story for the first time.

“We have got a dearth of costume,” said Elsa, who is delighted with the lsupport the film project has received in Herefordshire.

“We have been filming for two years and this is nearly the last one apart from one more shoot in April.”

Locations in this region have successfully depicted the rugged landscape typical of Bronte country in Yorkshire, says Elsa.

Sites near Clee Hill have provided a necessary moorland backdrop.

Hampton Court at Hope-under-Dinmore and the Judge’s Lodging museum at Presteigne have also provided convincing settings.

Compared to BBC TV’s £11 million budget to screen Wuthering Heights, Elsa’s self-funded project has kept to a modest £100,000.

“We really have had to be inventive.” she explained.

But the recently released trailer has been “universally well-received,” she said. “It bodes well for the film, which is the only complete version.”

Produced by Three Hedgehog Films, the film sticks faithfully to the dialogue and has earned praise from the Bronte Society.

Elsa has high praise for the support received from various people and places including KC Horses at Bodenham run by Roy Moore and Lorraine Wadeley.

n To be a funeral mourner or villager in the film, email enquiries@wuthering-heights.com