THE FIRST film to be shown in The Nave of Canterbury Cathedral proved a great success.

An invited audience shared the experience with one of the stars of the 1944 A Canterbury Tale, the director’s widow and many others who were involved in its production or were cast members.

The special screening last night marked the end of a series of short features by BBC South East about the iconic film and its links with the Cathedral.

Michael Powell, who wrote, co-produced and directed, was from Bekesbourne and was educated at The King’s School until he was 13.

He was determined to create a movie using the places he had known in childhood.

His widow Thelma Schoonmaker, herself an Oscar winning film-maker, was a special guest, as was actress Sheila Sim (now Lady Attenborough) who played the female lead.

Renowned director Richard Attenborough was also there to support his wife.

The event was backed by the Dean and Chapter of the Cathedral as part of its bid to raise £50million for its restoration.

The Very Rev Robert Willis, Dean of Canterbury, told the audience that “this place” that Augustine founded, Beckett died for and Hitler ordered to be bombed had to be maintained for future generations of 'pilgrims’.