Whitby-based vampire film Christian The Movie centres on Christian who by day is a priest – but, by night, he is a vampire slayer.

Christian takes refuge with a group of priests after being cursed with immortality by a wealthy local man known as Count Draculé.

The count leaves Christian to hang for the murders of innocent men, women and children in Whitby more than a hundred years ago.

Christian sets out for revenge, pursuing Draculé across the world for decades until he comes full circle back to where it all began.

Within days of his return, the killings start again. Christian is forced out of hiding, exposing himself to the army of vampires that now reign over Whitby, slaying everyone that stands between him and Dracula," said director Matthew Bland.

"Last month, in beautiful Whitby, we started the first half of the production and finally brought Dracula back to his hometown."

"There is more shooting leading up to the main production in the new year. Production is on course for its premiere in autumn 2010.

"We've also launched the official Twitter site where you can follow us and chat to the cast and crew.

"We've had a few major film studios having a snoop around with possible talks in the future, but we'll announce more when we've talked some more."

The Gazette has got some sneak preview images.

These still images from the early stages of production show Heather Matthews, who plays Sophia, and Matthew Bland as Christian.

The trailer consists of a series of still images taken on set.

Follow the progress of the production at www.christianmovie.co.uk, where you can see a teaser trailer and stills from the film."

The production can be followed on Twitter – http://twitter.com/christian_movie, where we are receiving a lot of interest from Dracula fans from around the world, film magazines and other production companies such as Warner Bros and Paramount Pictures.

l The Whitby Gazette has exclusive access to the set and Whitby Gazette reporter Caroline Gough will star as an extra in the film as part of her ongoing Goughie Goes features in the not too distant future.