DORSET will be rolling out the red carpet again as the county is chosen to host the premiere of a new film starring Dame Judi Dench.

The Dorset Blind Association is organising another Dorset film premiere thanks to its patron, the BAFTA-award winning filmmaker Stephen Frears.

Through its connection with the acclaimed director, the sight loss charity has the opportunity to show his new film, Victoria and Abdul, ahead of its national release.

Based on a true story, the film follows the unlikely friendship between Queen Victoria (Judi Dench) and her Indian servant Abdul Karim (Ali Fazal). As their friendship deepens, the queen begins to see a changing world through new eyes, joyfully reclaiming her humanity. The film also stars Eddie Izzard, Tim Pigott-Smith and Adeel Akhtar.

Stephen Frears, whose other films include The Queen, Philomena, and Dangerous Liaisons, has supported Dorset Blind Association for many years as his son, the actor Sam Frears, has a genetic disorder causing him to lose his sight.

Although Sam lives in London he regularly attends Dorset Blind Association events and social activities, as these offer him opportunities which he cannot access in the capital.

This will be the second Dorset film premiere for Dorset Blind Association – last year it benefited from a pre-release screening of the comedy drama Florence Foster Jenkins, another film by Stephen Frears.

It was a sell out success raising £10,000 for the charity.

The exclusive black tie red carpet premiere of Victoria and Abdul, sponsored by Blue Sky Financial Planning, is on Monday, September 11 at The Regent Centre, Christchurch.

Dorset Blind Association works across Dorset to help people who suffer serious sight loss to still lead active and healthy lives and all funds raised on the night will help maintain the charity’s community services.

In addition, 50p from every ticket will go to the Regent Centre Development Fund, ensuring that the Regent has the very latest technical equipment to maintain its busy programme of shows, concerts and films.

Funds are also utilised to maintain the interior decoration, fixtures and fittings at the Centre to the highest standards.

Helena Sinclair, Events Fundraiser at Dorset Blind Association, said: “We are overwhelmed to be given this wonderful opportunity once again by our patron, Stephen Frears and we are incredibly grateful to him for this.

“The impact of an event like for both awareness and fundraising is incredible.”

Tickets are £20 per person, includes a glass of fizz upon arrival and popcorn for the film. Doors open at 7pm and the film will begin at 8pm. To book tickets call The Regent Centre Box Office on 01202 499199.