A FILM based on the incredible true story of how a barmaid bred a Welsh National-winning racehorse will be filming in Blaenavon next week.

Dream Horse is based on an award-winning documentary focusing on Janet Vokes, who was working behind the bar in Cefn Fforest when she overheard a conversation about owning a racehorse.

She recruited her initially reluctant husband and a local accountant to help her bring together a syndicate of local people to breed a foal – which they named Dream Alliance.

Having started from working out of stables located on an allotment in Cefn Fforest, the horse went on to win the Welsh National in 2009.

Damian Lewis ( Homeland ) and Toni Colette ( Sixth Sense ) star in the film, which is directed by Bafta winner Euros Lyn ( Sherlock and Black Mirror ).

The documentary, Dark Horse, won the World Cinema Audience Award at Sundance.

Mayor of Blaenavon Cllr Gareth Davies said: "Blaenavon is a popular location at the moment, and has been in the past, with Dr Who, the Indian Doctor, Coal House and others being filmed in and around the town.

"Dream Horse will be a popular feature and will have the chance for local people who have been hired as extras to spot themselves, sure it will be popular at The Workmen’s Hall Cinema, when it’s out.

"I think film and TV companies recognise the support and enthusiasm there is to enable their work in the town and the recognition of the landscape and architecture on show can only help to encourage tourism.

"The Ironworks in particular has been a successful location with support from CADW.

"The town has also supported local directors like Luke Andrews, who made Dying Light and Daniel Harris who made Save Our Male Voice Choirs locally.

"I hope that it can inspire local children, young people and adults to make their own films and to look at careers in the arts."

The filming will see the closure of Broad Street - from Market Street to William Street, and Commercial Street and Ivor Street, on Thursday, May 16 between 4.30pm and 8.30pm; on Friday from 10am to noon and from 4.30pm to 8.30pm; and between 7pm and 9pm on Saturday.

Broad Street's one way section will be closed on Friday between 12pm and 4.30pm, and Forgeside Road - between its junctions with Varteg Road and Forge Road - will be shut from 6.30am to 9.30am and from noon to 2pm on Saturday.