CROWDS have been flocking to Swanage Pier all week to watch a film crew shoot scenes for a new ITV drama based on children's novel Peter Pan.

A masted pirate ship is moored off the Victorian pier, while ITV shoots scenes for an upcoming version of the J M Barrie classic.

The television company is remaining tight-lipped about exactly what is going on, but they’ve assured the Daily Echo more details will be released soon. 

However, we understand the title of the television drama is currently unconfirmed and it will not be a straight representation of the novel.

When the Echo popped along to Swanage a member of the crew confirmed the shoot was for a Peter Pan drama - and a sign apologising for any inconvenience at the end of the pier stated 'Headline Pictures (Peter Pan) Ltd'.

Among those at the pier watching events unfold was holidaymaker Paul Jones. He joked: “It isn’t very often you see a pirate ship on your hols is it? We’ve all been looking to see if Johnny Depp is going to put in an appearance. So far, no luck.

"No-one's spotted Captain Hook or the crocodile either."

The Headline Pictures (Peter Pan) Ltd sign, by the pier ticket booth, read: "Caution, filming in progress. The producers and crew would like to apologise for any inconvenience caused during the making of this feature film."

 

The producers were unavailable for comment and Swanage Pier staff said they were contractually obliged not to discuss the filming with the media at present.

Last year Swanage Pier was officially reopened following successful repairs to storm damage it suffered 12 months earlier.

During a dramatic March night in 2013 one of the award-winning pier’s structural piles was swept out to sea.

If it hadn’t of been for the quick actions of a number of people that night, the Victorian Pier’s historic walkway may have collapsed.

However, parts of the Grade II-listed structure, voted Pier of the Year in 2012, had to be closed on safety grounds and the trust was left facing a £50,000 repair bill.

A subsequent appeal for funding and a number of successful grant applications later, and the pier was officially fully reopened at a ceremony attended by supporters and local dignitaries.