HUNDREDS of residents who helped to make budget movie Tortoise in Love will be heading to London’s Leicester Square tonight for the premiere.

It has taken three years for the movie to arrive on the big screen and 700 villagers from Kingston Bagpuize and Southmoor will join writer and director Guy Browning, pictured, at the Odeon West End.

Villagers helped out with the finances for the film, or did the catering and put cast and crew up in their homes.

The romantic comedy was shot in Kingston Bagpuize with residents clubbing together to fund it.

Mr Browning said he expected the 800-seat cinema to be full, with 100 people, including press and sponsors, also attending.

He added: “Everyone is now very excited about the big night and we are looking forward to heading off down the M40 on coaches at about 4pm.

“It’s been a bit like a wedding, with all the preparation and people getting their hair done and getting outfits ready.

“It will be a great night because it will be a celebration of all the hard work we have done.

“Fans looking out for celebrities on the red carpet will be disappointed because there won’t be any.”