A FIRM that provided security for the production of the blockbuster movie Dunkirk when it filmed in Dorset has been recognised.

Event Security Southern Ltd, which was appointed when the Christopher Nolan film was shooting in Swanage and Weymouth, has been awarded Approved Contractor Status from the Security Industry Authority.

It has also received a Quality Management accreditation and claims to be one of only two security companies in Dorset with such accolades.

The company was founded in 2012 by managing director Dan Wilson, who was joined a year later by personnel director Kay Purnell, and now turns over in excess of £1.5million a year.

Mr Wilson said: “I started the limited company with an offer of a contract with just four staff and myself, we all worked literally night and day to deliver a service that in my eyes was sadly lacking from other security providers within the private security industry.

“Today we have an incredible team some 10 times what we started with, and have forged relationships with other service providers that have to follow our strict practices and service delivery, which we monitor very carefully.”

Event Security Southern Ltd says it was proud to provide the Security for the Dunkirk filming, which featured stars such as Tom Hardy and Harry Styles.

The firm spent several weeks providing up to 80 staff members each day over the two locations.

Many of the team have worked on other productions such as Top Gear, Eastenders, Harry Potter and fellow Dorset production Broadchurch.

Ms Purnell said: “This summer has been a very busy one for us, as directors both Dan and myself need to be on location for most shoots.

“We had over 50 staff out when we shot Dunkirk at night on Weymouth Harbour, which I was running whilst Dan was running the security for Broadchurch in West Bay.

“We as a company never disclose our tasks until we have finished and sometimes, like this production, only talk about it months after, or after it has been screened.

“Client confidentiality is key.”

Event Security Southern Ltd has also supported a range of local causes and events in the past year, including Weymouth and Dorchester carnivals, Dorchester Rugby Club, Portland Ladies Football Club, Weymouth under 15 rugby team, the #teamgeorge Meningitis Now bowling event, the Steve Charles Help a Friend Fund, Beerex and Weymouth Boxing Club.