LOCALS at the George Inn Frocester were treated to a cheeky surprise recently.

A group of local film-makers turned up to shoot a scene for their entry for the upcoming Onion Features Great Onion Challenge short film competition.

The competition requires entrants to work to very tight time-scales and has a number of compulsory elements, which must be included in the film.

Producer/Director Domonic White said: "We were given the choice of three optional beginnings to the film, and are required to include the dialogue 'I can't believe you said that to me'. "One scene had to be shot in a live social venue, and we also have to ensure a fish slice is utilised or visible at some point in the film.

"Ever since I first approached Jane (manager of the George Inn Frocester) about my idea, she, and all her staff, have been incredibly supportive and helpful - the film simply wouldn't have happened without them.

"I've recently been putting together a group of freelancers / media professionals to create what I'm referring to as 'a creative fraternity'.

"The group is called Suscito (which means 'to arouse, to excite, to inspire' in Latin) and this competition is the perfect opportunity for us to demonstrate what we are capable of."

The film includes live action, 2D animation, 3D animation and a scene where the story is predominantly told through sound alone.

This is the third short Domonic and friends have filmed in and around Stroud.

Their first film, Round the Corner, which was co-produced and co-directed by Matthew Bigwood, has now been shown at festivals all over the UK including the Soho, Edinburgh and Bath festivals.