SPECIAL auditions are to be held for the starring role in a film about a famous North Staffordshire legend.

The story of the Chained Oak, in Alton, is to be turned into a film by ghosthunter Dean Maynard.

The Alton Towers attraction Hex – The Legend Of The Towers is based on the story of the oak tree, which is one of the county's most famous fables.

And Dean, below, hopes to begin filming the low budget documentary-style film in January in time for it to be released next Halloween.

Local actors have been invited to audition for parts in January, but the 37-year-old said they will be kept in suspense about the plot.

He hopes the film will be shown in cinemas across the country – with its premiere taking place in Staffordshire.

The legend focuses on a curse on a former Earl of Shrewsbury, who once lived at Alton Towers. And Dean first became fascinated with the tale after a visit to the theme park.

The film will shot around the Chained Oak Farm and at the nearby Alton Towers resort.

Dean, who lives in County Durham but has family in North Staffordshire, said: "The film was originally planned for 2007 but, due to time and cash restraints, the project was put on hold for two years. We are now raring to go.

"The film will be a cross between the Blair Witch Project and new horror film Paranormal Activity.

"Chained Oak Farm will make a fantastic backdrop. We want to start as soon as possible because we want the scenes to look autumnal."

Liz Bradley, who runs a bed and breakfast business at Chained Oak Farm, said experts had estimated the tree was about 1,000 years old.

It is rapidly deteriorating and had recently lost another couple of branches.

Liz admits she would not stand under it, but only because it is rotting so badly.

She said: "The tree does create a lot of interest among our guests and we get a lot of visitors, especially from people who have been on Hex.

"I had some people who took some stones from near the tree, but sent them back because they were having a lot of bad luck.

"I believe the legend. It would be super if a film was made."

A spokesman for Alton Towers added: "We look forward to watching the famous legend turned into a film."