A Dorchester cinema was the venue for a 'fascinating' question-and-answer session with the director of a high-profile new film - along with the daughter of UK comedy royalty.

Dorset-based film-maker Mandie Fletcher attended a special screening of her latest film, Patrick, at Trinity Street's independent Plaza Cinema. The film stars Beattie Edmondson, the daughter of Ade Edmondson - known to audiences for his parts in comedies such as The Young Ones and Bottom - and popular comedienne Jennifer Saunders, who also appears in the film.

Ms Edmondson also attended Monday night's screening, with the audience given the chance to meet and chat to the rising star, and she also took part in the subsequent Q-and-A session, taking questions on her relationship with the director - and her canine co-star.

"The screening went really well," said Plaza manager Alan Escott, noting that the event had seen a good-turnout, in light of the good weather and the time of year.

"Mandie Fletcher is a regular visitor to the Plaza, and she wanted to support independent cinema," he said. "The Q-and-A session was fascinating - it was really lively and the audience had so many questions for Mandie."

Ms Fletcher is a doyenne of UK comedy, on both the small and the silver screens; she won a Bafta in 1988 for her work directing two series of much-loved historical comedy Blackadder, and her other stellar TV directing credits include Only Fools and Horses and Absolutely Fabulous, starring Ms Saunders.

'Patrick', which concerns the relationship between a disorganised young woman and a pug bequeathed to her by her grandmother, is Ms Fletcher's third feature-film, after 'Deadly Advice' in 1994 and the Absolutely Fabulous movie, which was released in 2016.

The event was the first time Ms Fletcher, who lives in the county, had graced a local cinema with a question session.

'Patrick' is showing at the Plaza at least once a day, every day, until next Wednesday, July 11. For more information, visit the cinema's website or contact 01305 262488.