A new horror short film by a County Durham filmmaker has been released to promising early reviews.

The Legend of Sayer Hicks, by Dean Midas, premiered at the Odeon Luxe in Durham on Thursday (September 10) of last week.

The film, shot entirely on a mobile phone, features locations around County Durham, including The Honest Lawyer Hotel, at Croxdale, and The Witham community arts centre in Barnard Castle.

Dean MidasDean Midas (Image: DEAN MIDAS)

Jay Hall, TV producer and creative consultant, said: "The Legend of Sayer Hicks horror film captivates with its chilling atmosphere, intense suspense, and hair-raising scares that will keep you on the edge of your seat.

"The well-crafted storyline, solid performances and a chilling score all contribute to a truly terrifying viewing experience. This film is a must-watch for anyone looking for a truly scary short."

American voice actor Roger L Jackson, known for his role as Ghostface in the Scream franchise, provided the opening audio for the film.

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Mr Midas, from Willington, said: "This was a fantastic shoot, working alongside some amazing actors and crew.

"I hope everyone enjoys the film."

The Legend of Sayer Hicks is now available to watch on YouTube.