Around 500 people joined film experts for the first ever screening of a documentary marking the centenary of filmmaking in the town.

Hundreds of people walked up the red carpet at the Ark Theatre yesterday as they took their seats for the very first screening of the documentary ‘From Borehamwood to Hollywood: The Rise and Fall and Rise of Elstree’.

Put together by the University of Hertfordshire’s Howard Berry, along with support from members of the Elstree Screen Heritage group including Paul Welsh and Bob Redman, the 75-minute film highlights the rich film history that began in the area 100 years ago.

Mr Welsh said: “It has finally all come to fruition, we are all very pleased. I’ve had the nice easy job of being the interviewer, but we all have to thank Howard for his hard work behind the scenes putting it all together and actually making this all into one film.”

Young and old turned out for the two viewings, held yesterday at 3pm and 8pm, to find out more about the history of the film and television production of the town.

Mr Redman added: “It is very much a community feeling, that is the whole idea behind this. It’s their history too, not just those who were a part of it all.”

Attended by Hertsmere Mayor Councillor Carey Keates, former members of the film community met old friends as they watched familiar faces on the big screen.

Cllr Keates said: “I’m astonished how many people have come out to this - it is good to see people really care about the town and its history.”

The Screen Heritage group hopes to hold regular screenings of the film at later dates in the year.