A SCI-FI fantasy series created by a local BBC producer is being made into an A-list laden short film shot in Cheshire - featuring stars from The Hobbit and two former Timelords.

The Minister of Chance began life as a podcast that grew from a cult band of online devotees to a worldwide fan base thirsting after the character’s latest adventure.

The Minister, first played by Stephen Fry during the Dr Who reign of Sylvester McCoy, was resurrected for audio audiences by former Winsfordian, Dan Freeman.

Working from home and via a base at Blakemere Craft Centre in Northwich, he developed the idea into an award winning miniseries, praised by national newspapers and sci-fi devotees alike.

Now, Dan’s production company, Radio Static, is moving The Minister to the big screen.

Alongside executive-producer and London casting mogul, Clare Eden, he’s enlisted former Doctor, Paul McGann, and Sylvester’s Hobbit co-star, Jed Brophy.

Jed spoke to the cast and crew about how Peter Jackson turned down Hollywood to make films in his native New Zealand - the result being a massive boost to tourism and the economy.

“That's exactly what we want to do with Cheshire” said Dan.

“We've got the stunning locations, we've got phenomenal transport links via Crewe and Manchester Airport, and a wealth of production staff now living in the area following the development of TV centres in Salford and Liverpool.

“And frankly, we don't need sets – we've got the history! There are three castles here within a mile of each other.

“We sat with Sylvester McCoy in a pub garden looking over the plain, and he said it was the best pint he'd ever had. We've got the beer too!”

Cheshire will be the inspirational template for ‘Chanceshire’ – the immersive universe into which the Minister is cast during the big screen prologue – due to begin filming in September.

Locations that inspired the podcast, including Peckforton and Beeston Castles, will be digitally enhanced by art director Dave Palser, rendered as off-world monuments within the Minister’s universe.

Meanwhile, real-world businesses have begun getting on board with the production.

Becoming an official Minister partner allows local taxi firms to say they’re the official transport of Hollywood A-Listers, or pubs and other enterprises to be given the Chanceshire treatment as filming locations for the production.

Jonny Kershaw from Peckforton Hills Spring Water said: “It's very exciting – I'm behind them all the way. It should do a lot of good for the area. I've got my eye on Paul McGann's costume to hang in the office!”

Dilys Willis from Cholmondley Castle Gardens added: "It looks absolutely fantastic. Let's hope it puts Cheshire on the big map!"

One restaurant has offered free meals to the cast and crew, and Neil Walker, landlord of The Gate Inn, Winsford, has adopted Chanceshire T-Shirts as the staff uniform.

Like the podcast, the feature is being funded by fans – stunning the film industry by raising more than £7,000 in three weeks alone, during its ‘Chanceshire’ campaign.

And in a unique twist to a DVD ‘extras’ menu, fans can view the behind scenes footage as and when it is filmed, keeping up to date with production in real time and becoming an honorary member of ‘The Ministry’, allowing them to purchase props and limited edition merchandise from the film.

Clare explained that for a film concerned with Time and Relative Distance in Space, the hour has arrived for people to invest in The Minister.

“This is just the beginning,” she said. “It’s like saying, ‘hello, I’m George Lucas and I’m making this new film called Star Wars, would you like to purchase some memorabilia’?

“Imagine how much that is worth now...”

To enter The Ministry, visit www.ministerofchance.com For a chance to win a very limited edition Minsiter of Chance T shirt, just answer the following question:- Which character does Minister star, Jed Brophy, play in Peter Jackson’s The Hobbit?