Count Dracula could soon be dropping in on Stone thanks to a Dartford horror film enthusiast.

Thomas Maylott, 66, is to direct Dracula AD 2014 – a homage to the cult Hammer Films fright fests of old, many of which starred Christopher Lee as the bloodthirsty Count.

His latest incarnation will be peering out from the turrets of Stone Castle which is just one of the locations in the area scouted by Mr Maylott for his spine-chilling project.

The father-of-one is a member of the Hammer Films Preservation Society and has been a massive fan of the production company since his days as a young projectionist at a Camden cinema.

He told News Shopper: "It’s about bringing Dracula back into modern times.

"The old Hammer films weren’t nasty and bloodthirsty like some films today but they were more tongue in cheek."

Mr Maylott, who lives in Carlton Avenue, Dartford, wants other film lovers in the area to get involved, with plans to shoot scenes at the manor house ruins in Scadbury Park, Sidcup.

He said: "It would help people in this area to do things they have never done before.

"We are trying to get the community involved. I know there is a lot of crime going on but we are trying to get people off that."

The film will follow Dracula’s disciple Jonny Alucard in his attempts to bring back his idol and wreak vengeance on the house of Van Helsing.

Professor Abraham Van Helsing leads a team to vanquish Dracula in Bram Stoker’s original 1897 gothic novel and the character was often played by Peter Cushing in the Hammer Films productions.

This year marks the 20th anniversary of his death and Mr Maylott’s film is being done in his honour when filming starts at the end of April.

The former Hammer Films make-up artist is giving a talk at the Mick Jagger Centre at Dartford Grammar School on April 30 on the history of his beloved films.

Visit thewriteplace.org.uk or e-mail elaineeverest@aol.com to book a place for the talk which starts at 7pm. 

For more information on Dracula AD 2014 or to help out with the film call 07419295576 or e-mail maylott@btinternet.com

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