BOLLYWOOD came to North Yorkshire yesterday as a film crew worked on a new all-singing, all-dancing production.

The Indian film industry produces hundreds of films a year, making it one of the most successful film industrious in the world.

However, until recently, Bollywood film crews tended to stay in the South.

Innovative actor and director Kashif Khan is trying to change that by making his new movie in a number of northern locations.

This Life Is Yours, This Heart Is Yours will be the first Bollywood movie to be filmed entirely in Britain, with an all-British Asian cast.

Yesterday Kashif, his glamorous female lead Heena Tas, and a 20-strong crew braved York's autumnal weather for a shoot outside the Minster.

Khasif, 32, said: "The North is a beautiful place and we want more Bollywood producers and directors to come here; we want more of them to know about it.

"If and when they do, then it will be good for the North and good for Bollywood."

Associate director Verma Manoher said: "York is historic and unique. It is perfect for our needs with this film."

Chief executive of York Tourism Bureau, Gillian Cruddas, said: "Whenever York gets positive publicity, particularly through films, the knock-on effect is phenomenal.

"We have always said it is a fantastic location. It can be a bit of a challenge for directors, because of the layout of some of the streets, but usually the producers we have worked with have been extremely positive."

The film is expected to be released on St Valentine's Day, next year.