Robin Hood's boost to Pembrokeshire as film opens

Scenes from Robin Hood were filmed at Freshwater West

The benefits of major films being shot in Wales as Robin Hood opens in UK cinemas have been highlighted.

It was partly filmed in Pembrokeshire, and some 1,000 cast and crew spent five weeks at Freshwater West beach and Castlemartin army range last year.

Deputy First Minister Ieuan Wyn Jones said major film productions brought "great benefits" to the local economy.

The premiere of Robin Hood opened the Cannes Film Festival before showing in UK cinemas from Friday.

The film, directed by Ridley Scott, stars Russell Crowe in the title role and Cate Blanchett as Lady Marion.

AN EXTRA'S STORY Steve Moon of Ammanford was an extra on Robin Hood I teach pilates in Carmarthenshire and this opportunity came up. I found out about it through Twitter and did a bit of research and found out there was an open casting in Pembroke's Technium centre. They chose about 600 lads and then about 200 of those they chose as archers to fire arrows from St Govan's Head on the cliff. I saw Russell [Crowe] one morning close up, he was amongst the lads. I had my little moment. He was walking past and I went: "Morning, Russell" and [he said] "Morning, how are ya!" I had a crossbow on the beach scenes, but on the St Govan's Head scenes I played an English archer firing, well, at myself as a French soldier on the beach in the next scene!

Mr Jones, who is also economy minister, said: "I am pleased to see Robin Hood coming to the big screen today after all the filming that was done in Pembrokeshire.

"Major film productions such as this can bring great benefits to the local economy and provide opportunities for skilled creative industry workers in Wales.

"The film industry is an important part of the creative industry sector in Wales.

"Creative industries play a vital role in the Welsh economy and we are determined to ensure they are able to compete and contribute to long-term, sustainable growth."

Close to 1,200 people were involved in the Pembrokeshire filming, including 600 extras, 125 horses and horsemen, and more than 300 crew.

Permission to use Freshwater West was granted by a number of organisations including the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority, the National Trust and Pembrokeshire Council.

They estimated that the filming generated in the region of £1m, including temporary employment, raising the profile of the area and the use of local services.

Freshwater West was also used as a location for the most recent film in the Harry Potter series.

A giant cottage made out of shells was built on the sands, with stars Daniel Radcliffe and Emma Watson taking part in the filming.

Anglesey was used in the 2006 Demi Moore romantic thriller Half Light, which had its UK premiere at Holyhead, and was shot over several months in and around Newborough, as well as at locations in Gwynedd.

Anglesey council said the island's economy had benefited by about £1.5m as a result of the film coming there.

Heritage Minister Alun Ffred Jones said: "Wales' outstanding natural landscape, its highly skilled workforce and support provided by the Wales Screen Commission are making it an increasingly popular destination for filming."