A former Skins star has been spotted filming in Kent as part of his latest project.

Alexander Arnold, who played Rich Hardbeck in the E4 series, grew up in Ashford and returned to the town on Saturday to film his directorial debut, 11+.

He used Bybrook Nature Reserve in Kennington as the backdrop for scenes in the film as well as the Skyway bridge between Eureka Park and Sainsburys, and Spearpoint Recreation Ground in Kennington.

Mr Arnold had his breakout role at the age of 17 in Skins.

Before that, he attended Norton Knatchbull School and later went to Highworth Grammar School’s Sixth Form, performing in numerous drama productions as well as with Ashford Youth Theatre.

Since then he has appeared in several films and TV series.

His TV work includes Poldark and Save Me while his film work includes David Brent: Life on The Road, The Beatles-themed musical comedy Yesterday, as well as The Outpost (Millennium).

Recently he has been seen in the scuba diving shark thriller The Last Breath.

The new film, 11+ will mark his first narrative short film as writer-director. It tells the story of two 11-year-olds named Louis and Jordan who are best friends.

In the summer of 2002, they embark on what might be their final adventure together before heading off to different secondary schools.

As one boy is set for grammar school and the other is left to grapple with his own academic struggles.

After speaking with local ward councillor Diccon Spain (Lab) and The Friends of Bybrook Nature Reserve, he was able to secure Ashford as the main filming location.

He visited various sites across the town earlier this month to assess their suitability before filming commenced.

Cllr Spain, who was on set during the production, said: “It was great to see the talented cast and crew in action.

“Watching them craft the film in real-time as a team was a privilege. Thanks to Alex for bringing this production, including many local creatives from Kent, to film this in and around Bockhanger, and Kennington.

“Looking forward to seeing the finished film soon.”

Mr Arnold is creating the film as part of Screen Ashford’s Short Film Competition, an initiative by Ashford Borough Council and regional film agency Screen South, designed to spotlight and showcase local filmmakers.

He is one of four taking part in the competition, with other three winners also filming around Ashford.

They were selected for their creative, unique proposals and intriguing perspectives, present shining examples of the incredible array of talent in the Ashford region, underscoring the significance of programmes like Screen Ashford in providing a launchpad for emerging filmmakers to achieve recognition in the screen industry.

Jo Nolan, Managing Director, Screen South, said: "The Screen Ashford Short Film Competition has been absolutely instrumental in showcasing the diverse range of creative voices in Ashford and the surrounding community.”

Chris Dixon, Arts and Cultural Industries Manager, Ashford Borough Council, said: “We’re really pleased to be supporting local creative talent and to encourage more filmmaking to take place in Ashford.

“We can’t wait to see and show the final films, as well as help each filmmaker in the next stage of their career.”

The short films will be shown at The Ashford Cinema in Spring 2025.