AS DAD’S Army goes on general release today, cinemagoers from the region may find something familiar about Walmington-on-Sea.

The major new film version of the TV classic not only boasts an A-list cast, it also features some more locally recognisable landmarks.

Much of the film was shot in North Yorkshire, thanks to investment from Screen Yorkshire through its Yorkshire Content Fund.

As a result, the cast, including Catherine Zeta Jones, Bill Nighy, Toby Jones, Michael Gambon, Blake Harrison and Daniel Mays can be seen at some familiar locations.

A starring role went to Bridlington Old Town, which doubles as Walmington-on-Sea, the fictional seaside resort that is the setting for Dad’s Army, while Duncombe Park near Helmsley doubles as the film’s German Headquarters.

Melissa Duncombe, from the country home, said filming took place over two to three days. Some scenes were shot in the library, while Duncombe Park’s old stone hall was transformed thanks to a large amount of sandbags.

“They sandbagged up the great windows and it was very atmospheric; there was a lot of dust in the air," she said.

“It was really difficult to black out the windows, they had to use some incredibly large ladders to get up to the top - we felt like handing them a duster to do a cobweb check while they were up there.

"But it was great fun having the film crew here; everything went according to plan.”

Bridlington’s Old Town was transformed into the fictional Walmington-on-Sea where the Home Guard are based, while South Landing at Flamborough Head became Walmington Beach, featuring in battle scenes.

The North Yorkshire Moors Railway and its station at Pickering feature in the film's opening and Ravenscar near Whitby, Cloughton near Scarborough and Hummersea near Skinningrove also appear.

The regional premier was held at The Spa in Bridlington on Wednesday (February 3) two days ahead of its general release. BAFTA nominated director Oliver Parker, producer Damian Jones and Felicity Montagu, who plays Mrs Mainwaring, all attended.

Damian Jones said: “We had a wonderful experience shooting Dad’s Army in Yorkshire. Its stunning locations give the film an epic scale and the people were beyond helpful.”

Sir Gary Verity, chief executive of Welcome to Yorkshire, said: “We are certain that the impact on tourism and the economy will be tremendous and that the film will leave a lasting legacy for years to come.”