German director plans Nessie film

Herzog will begin filming at the end of this month

Cult German director Werner Herzog is planning a documentary on the mystery of the Loch Ness monster.

The Enigma of Loch Ness, which Mr Herzog, 60, will direct and produce, will begin filming at the Scottish lake at the end of the month.

It will look at the mysteries surrounding the "prehistoric monster" claimed to be living in the lake, the biggest in the British Isles.

Mr Herzog is best known for his films Aguirre: The Wrath of God and Nosferatu: Phantom der Nacht.

His film will ask why the story of the mythical monster became so well known around the world, despite being so elusive.

The director will talk to local communities and also comb the lake itself for signs of the famous monster, also known as Nessie.

The monster is an internationally-known legend

The film will be scripted by Zak Penn, who wrote X-Men 2.

Mr Penn said: "When Werner told me about this idea about the Loch Ness, I leapt at the chance because I'm such a fan of Werner's and it's a subject that's always fascinated me - a monster living in a lake."

On Sunday Mr Herzog said: "It would be wonderful if I found it and got it on film.

"I wouldn't have to work in my life any more. Even better than getting it on film would be capturing it and having it at San Diego Sea World and charge 50 bucks entrance fee."