Acting legend Honor Blackman made a fleeting visit to Belper as part of a special 40th anniversary screening of Derbyshire-based film The Virgin And The Gypsy, at The Ritz.

Dozens of fans filled the King Street cinema to meet and quiz the famous actress and director Christopher Miles in a question and answer session about the film.

Before the screening Ms Blackman, 82, said: "I've not been back to Derbyshire since we made the film, as so often happens, but it is so lovely. I think I'll definitely come again.

"It's nice to all meet up again and see the old places. I only hope the fans don't ask me anything too taxing. It has been 40 years and there have been so many locations."

The Virgin And The Gypsy, which is based on a DH Lawrence novella, was filmed mainly in Youlgreave, near Bakewell. One of the scenes was also shot at the nearby Cromford Railway Station

It was screened at The Ritz by chance after Derek Horne, a friend of
director Christopher Miles, visited the cinema and mentioned the film to owner Amanda Mundin.

Ms Blackman, who is also well-known for her role as Cathy Gale in 1960s TV show The Avengers, stayed at Shottle Hall Hotel during her visit, on Sunday, October 25.

The glamorous actress has been involved in hundreds of films, TV shows, and theatre appearances since her career began at the tender age of 19.

She has recently finished working on a film in which she plays a Holocaust survivor.

She is also getting ready for another run of her one-woman show Word Of Honor in the West End.

She said: "It's still fun and enjoyable. At this stage in my life, I don't have to grind, but the idea of giving up work and getting up every morning and knowing I am never going to work again is horrible.
It's a huge part of my life."

Her portrayal of the feisty Mrs Gale in The Avengers prompted scores of fan mail from women delighted to see an empowered female character.

She said: "I don't see myself as an inspiration, but it is nice. It seems to cheer people up to see that I'm still going and I'm not dead and gone. Life doesn't have to end at 60."

The Virgin And The Gypsy is currently being prepared for release on Blu-Ray DVD.