A MAJOR movie about the last witch to be executed in England has been filmed on the North York Moors.

Teesside-based Ironopolis Film Company is making Witch House - The Legend of Petronel Haxley, which tells the story of Petronel Haxley, who was executed for being a witch in 1642.

The dead woman's vengeful spirit returns to wreak havoc and death.

The horror movie, which started filming last month, is due for a Halloween release date.

Writer and director Mike McCarthy said: "I bought a book 25 years ago about witches in North Yorkshire, and it's always been in my mind to make a number of horror films.

"With a little poetic licence and great locations, we have brought Petronel back."

The story of Petronel Haxley goes back to the 1600s when witch hunts were common place in England.

Legend has it that she was found guilty of witchcraft and was executed in Pocklington, in East Yorkshire.

The movie has used actors and locations across the North-East and North Yorkshire. Among the stars is Natalie Chapman, 23, from Ormesby, Middlesbrough, in her first major film role.

Mr McCarthy said: "We try to use local actors and locations wherever we can for our films.

"One place we used was the Ryedale Folk Museum because of its historical 16th and 17th Century buildings."

Mike Benson, curator of the museum, near Malton, said: "It's great that we were involved and it's helped raise our profile.

"The film crews were here for three weeks and it's been a superb experience."

The film is aiming for a 15 certificate with a Halloween premiere planned at Cineworld Cinema, in Middlesbrough.