It was a case of lights, camera, action in Saffron Walden when a former County High student returned to the town to shoot a short film with the help of a soap star.

Kelly Clare, who was a regular in Saffron Players’ pantomimes before moving to London to pursue an acting career, wrote and directed Meliorism.

She penned a part for Peter Dean, famous for playing fruit & veg man Pete Beale in BBC soap EastEnders, after working with him on her first acting job, and he jumped at the chance to be involved.

A few weeks ago Kelly and Peter, along with a crew and other cast members, visited the town to shoot parts of the film.

Kelly said: “Having finished my most recent advert, I decided to put the money I made into some work of my own.

“I’ve always been passionate about film and TV, and knew that combining my training at Arts Educational with my experience whilst working, I could make something really exciting. So I wrote my script, Meliorism, a short film that I hope to get in to film festivals over the next year.

“I decided that as I grew up in Saffron Walden and it is such a beautiful town, it would be really special to film it here, so I began location scouting to find the perfect places.”

Eagle-eyed residents might be able to spot a few Saffron Walden businesses and sights in the film, which is based on the idea that a stranger can change your day.

Kelly, 26, who has appeared in adverts, short films and a West End showcase, said: “I found the perfect locations in Molly’s Coffee and Cake Shop, and the staff at Cross Keys were beyond helpful, agreeing immediately to let us shoot there. Also the town council were fantastic in giving us access to both the town hall and Bridge End Garden.

“I was extremely touched that everyone was so accommodating. The shoot was fantastic. As my writing and directorial debut, it was a really amazing experience.”