Excitement is mounting as filming of Ammonite continues - as the film's director defends its plot.

Ammonite, the story of fossil hunter Mary Anning, is being filmed in west Dorset and stars Oscar-winning actress Kate Winslet.

She appears alongside Saoirse Ronan, who is no stranger to the Jurassic Coast, having played one of the lead roles in the 2017 adaptation of Ian McEwan’s On Chesil Beach.

Fiona Shaw, of Killing Eve and Harry Potter, also appears in the film.

The film reportedly follows an intense relationship between Anning, played by Winslet, and Frances Bell, played by Ronan.

While speculation over the film's plot grows, director Francis Lee took to Twitter amid criticism in some national newspapers.

Lee tweeted: 'After seeing queer history be routinely ‘straightened’ throughout culture, and given a historical figure where there is no evidence whatsoever of a heterosexual relationship, is it not permissible to view that person within another context? Particularly a woman whose work and life were subjected to the worst aspects of patriarchy, class discrimination and gender imbalance.

'As a working class, queer film maker, I continually explore the themes of class, gender, sexuality within my work, treating my truthful characters with utter respect and I hope giving them authentic respectful lives and relationships they deserve.'

Filming took place in Lyme Regis on Monday, Eype beach on Thursday and at Charmouth on Friday.

While filming at Eype, Saoirse reportedly had to be rescued by a crew member after a huge wave knocked her off her feet.

Traditional ship 'Irene', a beautiful 100ft sailing ketch, arrived at Lyme Regis harbour on Tuesday, much to the delight of visitors to the town. Photographer Doug Chalk captured some stunning photos.

Bridport and Lyme Regis News:

STUNNING: Irene sails in for filming Picture: DOUG CHALK

Filming will continue from March 27 to 29 and there will be some closures in Lyme to traffic and pedestrians which may cause disruption.

On March 27, the road will be closed to traffic while the set is prepared for health and safety reasons, but access to residents and businesses will be retained.

On March 28, there will be full closure to both traffic and pedestrians. while filming is underway, however, access will be retained for residents and business owners of the street.

And on March 29, Coombe Street will be closed to road traffic for health and safety reasons while the filming team and crew re-instate the set.