MORE than 2,000 entries from 82 countries have submitted work to a North-East film festival.

The inaugural Newcastle Film Festival is set to take place next year, from March 29 to April 1, with events taking place around the region,

Among the entries is from County Durham film producer Hugo Nicholson, who appears in comic documentary-style film Skim for England - based on a man's journey to the World Stone Skimming Championships

Festival president Jacqui-Miller Charlton MBE said: "We never know what film entry we will get day to day and we are constantly surprised and delighted at the completely fascinating film entries we receive.

"We had absolutely no idea that there was a World Stone Skimming Championship so hopefully this will raise awareness of this sport; that no doubt most of us have tried in our lives."

The event, was launched at this year's Cannes Film Festival, will involve a series of film-related events, from masterclasses to question and answer sessions.

Ms Miller Charlton added: "Of the entries we have received so far, around 242 are from the UK. If you are involved in making a film and want to enter please visit the website and submit your entry.

"The film festival is set to be a truly international celebration of films from across the world, including several world premieres, classics featuring cast and crew and new films from all genres of movies".