forest born film maker Tom Mason has brought together the old and the new using still images of yesteryear and modern day motion pictures in his latest DVD 'Mitcheldean Portrait of a Town.'

Many memories have been encapsulated within the film and with the use of previously unseen footage of days long gone; they are brought back to life. Now for the very first time see the architecture of the 13th century church close-up and admire the wonderful nature that lies between the Parish boundaries. A year in the making 'Mitcheldean Portrait of a Town' will give pleasure to all of those who have come to know and love the town.

Tom Mason a young film maker from Mitcheldean is in the process of forming his own film company and is currently working under the name of 'Pig on the Wall Films'. The name comes from an old forest story about putting a pig on the wall to watch the band go by.

Tom has lived in Mitcheldean all his life and went to Dene Magna Secondary School where he was Head Boy.

This is Tom's first feature length film and he was lucky enough to gain the interest and help of many of the town's people including the parish priest and members of the parish council. Their help has been paramount in the film's production.

Tom is also very grateful to his uncle and local history writer Paul Mason whose research and help in the making of this film was invaluable.

Paul grew up in Drybrook and his interest in local history stems from his love of rugby, brass bands and coal mining. His first book was 'A Hundred Years of Drybrook Rugby Club' and this spurred him on to more writing and his next two books, 'A Glance Back at Drybrook' and 'A Glance back at Mitcheldean' have both been very successful. Paul is Chairman of Drybrook Rugby Club and works at John Kyrle School in Ross.

The film is being released on Saturday, November 29th at Mitcheldean Library. It is priced at £9.99 and would make a very affordable gift for xmas. A copy can be reserved by calling 07984 001 433.