Cinephiles will have the chance to put questions to one of Britain’s most revered film directors when he visits Accrington.

Mike Hodges will take questions from fans following a screening of his cult classic Get Carter at the newly refurbished town hall ballroom.

The appearance is a coup for Pennine Film Festival, which has organised the event as part of its seventh annual event.

Festival director Stephen Murphy, who runs the festival in association with Accrington and Rossendale College, said the director’s appearance should be very interesting.

He said: “He's a big name and a bit of a legend in film history. His films are wonderful but quite eclectic. It's a real opportunity for people to meet a legend of British film.

"The new setting is going to be great. It's a really nice venue and we'll have it set out with tables and chairs to make a really relaxed atmosphere to take questions.

"The whole festival is a celebration of film so I'm really looking forward to it."

Hodges is most famous for his hard-hitting seventies gangster film, which stars Michael Caine as Carter - a London gangster who travels to Newcastle to investigate the death of his brother. The event will take place on Tuesday, March 17, from 7pm.

Earlier in the day, Hodges’ superhero fantasy film, Flash Gordon will be shown at the Coppice Theatre, from 1pm.

While renowned animator Barry Purves will take questions on his impressive career at the Coppice Theatre, from 10am.

Former Cosgrove Hall animator Purves has worked on classic shows such as Dangermouse and Postman Pat and now works for MacKinnon and Saunders, the company which made the puppets for The Corpse Bride and Fantastic Mr Fox. He is due to bring some of the puppets to Accrington for the event.

The Pennine Film Festival will kick off with a screening of William Friedkin’s controversial horror movie, The Exorcist, at the town hall ballroom, on Friday, March 13, from 7.30pm.

Eighties comedy classic Ghostbusters will be shown on a giant screen outside St James’ Church, in Accrington, on Saturday, March 14, from 5pm. For tickets call 01254 380293 or visit penninefilm.com.