A HAUNTING ghost story shot in West Dorset received a gala screening at the Electric Palace.

Cinema-goers enjoyed a spine-chilling treat at the Bridport premiere of Oscar-winner Julian Fellowes’ new film From Time to Time.

Dorset-based director Mr Fellowes, who lives in West Stafford, near Dorchester, attended the screening with his wife Emma and took part in a question and answer session after the film.

The film, a ghostly children’s story, is based on a novel by Lucy M. Boston and was largely shot at Athelhampton House near Dorchester in October, 2008.

Harriet Walter, who appears in the film and lives near Dorchester, and Helen Kennedy who plays Nellie also joined the panel.

It was chaired by producer and director Nic Jeune who lives in Bridport.

Mr Fellowes said the Electric Palace was a ‘wonderful cinema with its own character’.

The screening came a week after a private showing of the film at Athelhampton House.

Electric Palace director Gabby Rabbitts said: “It was a terrific evening and a huge success. It was our first collaboration with Ealing Studios, which acted as distributors.

“In all we had about 160 people here.”

Double Oscar winner Dame Maggie Smith stars in the film alongside Dominic West, Timothy Spall, Hugh Bonneville and Pauline Collins.

The plot spans two worlds two centuries apart and tells the story of 13-year-old Tolly Oldknow.

Tolly is sent to live with his grandmother at the old family home of Green Knowe in December, 1944, as the Second World War is drawing to a close.

The teenager soon finds he can travel between the two worlds and begins an adventure that unlocks family secrets laid buried for generations.

Mrs Rabbitts said there were plenty of questions for the film-makers and actors after the screening.

She added: “We were delighted to have Julian Fellowes, Harriet Walter, Helen Kennedy and Nic Jeune attend and sit on the panel where they took questions from the audience about all sorts of things.

“It was a particularly special evening for Harriet as it was her 60th birthday.”

The gala was Mr Fellowes’ second gala screening at the Electric Palace.

The regional premiere of Oscar-winning film The Young Victoria was held at the venue in March 2009.

From Time to Time has picked up awards at several major film festivals and is now on general release at selected cinemas.