INMATES at Dartmoor prison have given the thumbs up to the preview of a new movie filmed on location in and around the prison last November.

The producers of 'Lucky Break' chose Dartmoor as the location for the film because of the austerity of its surroundings.

Roger Brown, head of inmate activities, said November 'came up trumps' with suitably cold and wet weather for the filming.

Thirty prisoners on 'enhanced regime' were chosen to watch the premier of the comedy drama in the TV wing last week as a reward for good behaviour.

Mr Brown said their reaction had been 'good'.

He said: 'Prisoners would be the first to tell you if it was rubbish, but they didn't.'

Olivia Williams, who co-starred in the film, attended the preview — which had been promised to make up for the disruption caused by 50 members of staff being filmed as extras.

Mr Brown said Ms Williams said that fellow stars James Nesbitt and Timothy Spall told her the prison was 'cold and they didn't like it'.

She added it had been a sound recordist's nightmare, with people shouting out of the windows for the first part of the week's filming.

Lucky Break is the story of a group of criminals who bungle a bank robbery, land in jail and plan an escape attempt utilising a musical play.

Ms Williams spoke to the prisoners before and after the film and they said it had been a good film, with some inmates relating to a few of the characters.

It is hoped the film — which opened nationwide last Friday — won't inspire a similar breakout, although Mr Brown said one inmate had asked if they could start a drama group!