East Staffordshire film-maker's movie up for national awards

AN East Staffordshire director's film has been nominated for four British Independent Film Awards.

Shane Meadows' film Somers Town - the tale of a Midlands teenager arriving homeless in London - has nominations in the categories of best British independent film, best director, best screenplay and best actor.

The Duchess, which was filmed at two of Derbyshire's National Trust properties, also has four nominations including best actress for Keira Knightley.

The period costume drama, based on the biography of Georgiana, Duchess of Devonshire, was shot at both Kedleston Hall and Chatsworth.

The nominations were selected by a committee of 70 members of the British Independent Film Awards.