AN EXCLUSIVE, red carpet-style film premiere will be hosted in Dorset thanks to BAFTA award-winning film director, Stephen Frears.

Mr Frears who is patron of the Dorset Blind Association has arranged for the screening of the new film, Victoria & Abdul, starring Dame Judi Dench, ahead of its national release.

The black tie, red carpet premiere, sponsored by Blue Sky Financial Planning, will take place on Monday, September 11 at The Regent Centre in Christchurch at 7pm.

Last year, the charity held its first ever Dorset film premiere for the previous film directed by Stephen Frears, Florence Foster Jenkins, at ABC Odeon which raised a total of £10,000.

The Dorset Blind Association is a cause close to the heart of Mr Frears whose son, the actor Sam Frears, has a genetic disorder causing him to lose his sight.

Seeing for himself how his son benefits from the charity, Stephen became a patron.

Victoria & Abdul follows the true story of the unlikely friendship between Queen Victoria and a young Indian clerk, Abdul Karim. As their friendship deepens, the queen begins to see a changing world through new eyes, joyfully reclaiming her humanity.

Dorset Blind Association works across Dorset to help people who suffer serious sight loss to still lead active and healthy lives and all funds raised on the night will help maintain the charity’s community services.

In addition, 50p from every ticket will go to the Regent Centre Development Fund, ensuring that the Regent has the very latest technical equipment to maintain its busy programme of shows, concerts and film

Felicity Porter, general manager at The Regent said: “Not only is it an exciting opportunity for us to be involved, we are also honoured to be highlighting the work the charity does in supporting people across the area with sight loss.”

Helena Sinclair, events fundraiser at Dorset Blind Association adds; “We are overwhelmed to be given this wonderful opportunity once again by our patron, Stephen Frears and we are incredibly grateful to him for this. The impact of an event like for both awareness and fundraising is incredible.”

Tickets £20 includes a glass of fizz upon arrival and popcorn. Doors open at 7pm, film starts at 8pm. To book, call 01202 499199.