A FILM festival is held each year in which amateur film makers and clubs from Sussex, Kent and Surrey send in their films to be judged and hopefully awarded a commendation or cup for their efforts.

The competition is organised by the South East Region of the Film and Video Institute.

Spring Park won a cup for being runner-up for the best film in the festival and the marina trophy for the best drama story movie.

The film, The Census Taker, was produced and directed by Gerald Peckson with the support of other members from Spring Park.

It depicted a census taker visiting a rural family in 1871. The dialogue was based on an anonymous poem written during that period.

It is an atmospheric, gentle film, filmed in black and white, giving it a period feel.

Club member, Derek Hines, who played the part of the visiting census taker, had to re-learn the skill of horse riding.

Fortunately the club had managed to acquire a very docile horse.