Now local entrepreneur Sarah MacDonnell is getting a slice of the action -by launching a St Leonards'-based extras agency offering supporting artists to producers setting shows in the town.

1066 Casting is offering the people of Hastings and St Leonards casual employment, and Sarah already has the support of Simon Allen at Hastings Borough Council's film office.

Sarah, 32, said: "1066 Country is fast becoming a popular location for visiting films and TV productions. I felt it was a great opportunity to offer a piece of this action to the local people and therefore began setting up 1066 Casting.

"My company is a great addition to the package the council already has to offer to production companies."

Sarah currently works as an entertainment agent, running a division of St Leonards'-based Prima Artists, booking headline cabaret to major cruise lines.

She also worked for several years as a performer in musical theatre, and took on the role of Princess in Hastings' Panto in 2003, as well as working on cruise liners around the world, commercials and TV shows such as Eastenders, The Bill and Holby City.

The launch of 1066 Casting will take place on Sunday, February 3, at the Sussex Halls at the White Rock Theatre, between 4.30-6.30pm, and anyone interested is invited.

Sarah said: "I will be giving out information on what being an extra entails, including a glossary of terms used on set.

"You don't have to have any specific experience. It does help, but when the work starts coming in I will try to place several people who have experience with people who haven't.

"We'll have the registration forms to fill in, and I will have a photographer there, because I will need professional photographs for a portfolio."

The head and full-length shots will cost a reduced price of £25, but anyone with their own professional shots is asked to bring them along.

For more information go to www.1066casting.co.uk.