IT may be a famous book town, renowned for its Big Pit, but Blaenavon could also soon be on the map for horror fans.

If Gwent-born film maker Julian Richards has his way, the Valleys' town will be the atmospheric backdrop for his latest project - the chilling story of a serial killer.

The World Heritage site has been identified as the perfect rural location for Julian's upcoming movie, Long Dark Hours.

Mr Richards, who grew up in Christchurch Road, in Newport, is awaiting a decision from the Lottery by April on whether or not they will fund the film. If the project gets off the ground, filming could start as early as October this year.

Long Dark Hours is the story of a man who, after having a row with his girlfriend at a New Year's Eve party, decides to hitch a lift home.

Unfortunately for the protagonist, he is picked up by a psychotic driver, who hands him a gun and tells him to shoot him before he goes on a murder spree.

After managing to escape the clutches of the psychopath - who will be played by actor Kevin Howarth - the hitcher then goes into a rural pub, only to learn from a news bulletin that a manhunt has just been launched following the massacre of a local family.

Mr Richards says: "Not only that, but the killer is in the pub, and is blaming the man for not killing him when he had the chance."

The director adds he hopes that the grisly denouement of the film would take place in Big Pit.

He says: "It's in the early stages, but I have already had interest from some of the companies that have since acquired and distributed our last film, The Last Horror Movie.

"The US-based Bedford Entertainment are keen to distribute it when it comes out, and the film company Tartan have also shown an interest." People in Blaenavon have welcomed the idea.

Katherine Stowers, marketing manager for Big Pit, said: "If the film is going to promote the town and the area in any way, then it is a positive thing for Blaenavon.

"We often welcome film crews to Big Pit as long as the film is sensitive to the interests of the area.

"We would have to meet the film-makers first to discuss their plans." And Alvin Nicholas, Coun-tryside Heritage Warden for Blaenavon industrial landscape World Heritage site, said: "My reaction is that this would be fantastic - especially if the film is aired internationally.

"There are some dramatic backdrops in and around Blaenavon, and there is the potential for more films to be made here."

Mr Richards says he is hopeful that his last film, The Last Horror Movie, will be screened at City cinema in Newport as part of Wales Cinema Day on February 23.

Blaenavon councillor Stu-art Evans said: "Blaenavon has been used as a filming location before, so we have got a bit of publicity.

"I think it has got to be good for the town. I would be interested to see what he has in mind."