Last night was the Redcar premiere of the critically-acclaimed film Atonement, which was partly shot in the seaside town. The Northern Echo reports on the red carpet event, and the town's moment in the media spotlight.

HOLLYWOOD arrived in the North-East last night as dozens of guests graced the red carpet for the regional premiere of Atonement.

After months of planning and weeks of excitement, guests were given a screening of the film, which is tipped to be a multi- Oscar winner, in the seaside town of Redcar, east Cleveland.

Director Joe Wright, who had previously been at premieres in London and Venice, made his red carpet entrance at The Regent cinema, greeted by hundreds of onlookers and a media frenzy.

Mr Wright said: "People are saying that Hollywood has come to Redcar. I think that's wrong, I think it's the other way round - Redcar is going to Hollywood.

And from the reaction over there so far, Hollywood loves you.

"Leicester Square last night wasn't a patch on you lot."

Mayor Wendy Wall said: It is hard to believe that only a year ago, this very spot resembled Dunkirk.

"We have seen the trailers on our television screens, but tonight we have the opportunity to see not just those scenes, but the whole story."

Turning to the director, she said: "You will always have a very special place in our hearts.

We hope you have enjoyed your time with us."

Mr Wright added: "It's lovely, it has been an amazing response. It is very, very exciting. It is up to Redcar to decide what it means to them but, hopefully, a bit of pride will be generated.

"The time shooting at Redcar was some of the best parts of the film. It has been really exciting to be here."

Earlier in the day, hundreds of visitors took a step back in time when the town hosted a street event to celebrate the premiere.

Crowds gathered in glorious sunshine to enjoy a day of wartime attractions.

The event was launched with a living history camp, while music whisked visitors back to the Forties. Hartlepool Military Heritage Memorial Society set up a replica of an encampment, complete with field kitchen, mortars, sandbags and ammunition.

Visitors danced to nostalgic music from the wartime era, some of which was provided by a 12-piece ensemble and vocalist, who created the sounds of the Big Band.

Tea dancers showed off their fancy footwork strutting their stuff on the dancefloor to foxtrot, lindy hop, swing and waltz.

Mr Wright was also on hand to unveil Lewis Robinson's sculpture on The Esplanade.

Mr Robinson was commissioned by the council, in association with the film-makers, to design and produce a piece of public art, in steel, that will revive memories of how a stretch of the beach was transformed into Dunkirk.

The piece incorporates a director's chair, available for the public to sit and pose in, suitcases, crates of ammunition and shell boxes, a soldier's helmet, a rifle, a pile of books - reflecting the adaptation of Ian McEwan's novel - and a resting seagull looking out to sea.

Mr Robinson said: "I am delighted with it. It is the first time I have seen it in situ without the covers on. People seem to be quite intrigued by it, judging by the crowds.

"I am pleased Joe Wright has come to unveil it."

Speaking to the crowd, Mr Wright said: "We had the premiere in London and that was exciting, and went to the Venice film festival and that was exciting, too. But to be honest, I am particularly excited to be here to bring the film back to you lot.

"Wherever we go, people comment on the scene we shot here.

"All the lads involved were really wonderful and really put their hearts into it and their souls.

"It was a very enjoyable day for me - certainly the best day of shooting I have ever had, and so I am very, very happy that everyone in Redcar seems to be pleased about the film that we made here. Hopefully, you will all enjoy it."

Visitors enjoyed beef stew from a field kitchen set up on the beach by Hartlepool Military Memorial Society.

Founder Neil Forcer said: "In those days, you were lucky enough if you got a few carrots, so it was just like brown water with bread.

"It is absolutely fantastic for the area and the adventure really continues for Redcar. It caused that much of a stir when they were filming here. It has really put Redcar on the map."

One of the visitors enjoying yesterday's attractions and the premiere was war veteran Jack Richardson, who served in The Green Howards 4th Battalion during the Dunkirk evacuation.

Looking out to the sea, Mr Richardson, 89, of Normandy, Middlesbrough, said: "There are a few ships out there, but at Dunkirk, it was covered with ships coming in to pick up the lads. There was not a wave on the water - it was absolutely still.

"I have seen the pictures of the set and it looks very similar to how it was. It is absolutely marvellous for the town."

Coun Mark Hannon, the economic development portfolioholder for Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council, said: "This is great profile for Redcar. It is the first time anything of this sort has happened here. Hopefully, it shows what Redcar can do to the rest of the North-East and the country.

"It is fantastic for Redcar, especially for people of my generation who have not lived through the war. It gives us a chance to see what happened."

James Hails, of the Northern Film and Media agency, said: "You only need to look round to see how fantastic today has been.

"Hopefully, in six months' time, we will be looking at a film that is winning Oscars, and Redcar will be associated with an Oscar-winning film.

"This is one of the largest productions that the country has seen in a number of years, and it is wonderful that it has happened here."