ONE of Britain's best-known actors was spotted filming in Darlington today.

A film crew was seen carrying out work around Northgate in the town today, along with Oscar winning movie star Jim Broadbent.

The Harry Potter star, who is also known for his work in films like Hot Fuzz, Bridget Jones's Diary and The Iron Lady is understood to have been filming The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry.

It was announced earlier this year that he would be appearing in the film adaptation of the popular book by Rachel Joyce.

Stephen Morgan, who runs Pathfinder House, in Northgate, said he was stunned when he discovered who was behind the secretive booking made earlier in the week.

Describing Mr Broadbent as "very quiet", he said: "The production crew were brilliant, and very down to earth.

"Due to the way we control access they used our Function Room as a Staging Area for the Actors and Support Crew, which allowed them some privacy.

"I am still a little stunned who it was."

He added: "We would like to thank everyone today for their incredible teamwork, support, and privacy while the crew went about their business and made some magic."

The Northern Echo:

The crew was spotted carrying out work near the Northgate roundabout this afternoon.

The film and book follows a seemingly unremarkable man in his 60s named Harold (Broadbent), who one day learns his old friend Queenie is dying.

He embarks on a walk, only to keep going for 450 miles until he reaches Queenie’s (Linda Bassett) hospice, much to the despair of his wife Maureen (Penelope Wilton), left at home.

Shooting is taking place entirely on location and sequentially, mirroring Harold’s own journey in the story. 

The high-budget independent feature is the first work from director Hettie Macdonald since the BBC series Normal People.

Keep up to date with all the latest news on our website, or follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

You can also follow our dedicated Darlington Facebook page for all the latest in the area by clicking here.

For all the top news updates from right across the region straight to your inbox, sign up to our newsletter here.

Have you got a story for us? Contact our newsdesk on newsdesk@nne.co.uk or contact 01325 505054