International film fans are jetting in for the seventh Romford Film Festival.

Spencer Hawken, festival director from Harold Hill, said the event has a large following from overseas, but only a handful of Romford locals.

Celebrities expected to attend the event include Bond Girl Caroline Munro, Holby City's Sarah-Jane Potts and Hammer horror star Pauline Peart.

Hawken said he wants to put Romford on the map for the right reasons: "When you put Romford into Google all that comes up is knife crime and murder," he said.

"But we want to show you can come to Romford, have some wonderful experiences and gain an understanding about how film works.”

The season, in which 160 films are being shown, is being held at Premiere Cinemas in Romford's Mercury Mall.

Opening night is on Wednesday (May 24) and the festival wraps up on May 30.

The event includes local films, such as Morris Men, a Clacton-made tale of crime-fighting dancing folk.

Tickets cost £35 for the season, which includes free screenings.

Hawken urged locals to join an international millieu ahead of Wednesday's opening.

“All the hotels are fully booked," he said. "How often can you say that in Romford?

“People need to take the gamble and broaden their horizons because some of these films could end up on an Oscars shortlist or Bafta-nominated," he added.