The release date for Empire of Light, which was filmed on the Kent coast, has been revealed.

The much-anticipated movie, written and directed by Hollywood film-maker Sam Mendes, was shot in Margate over a three-month period earlier this year.

Searchlight Pictures has now revealed the film, which stars Olivia Colman, will be appearing in cinemas from December 9.

Empire of Light is understood to be a love story set in and around a cinema during the 1980s.

It also stars Colin Firth, Toby Jones and Top Boy's Micheal Ward.

The film's production created a huge buzz in Margate - and provided a £4 million boost to the town's economy.

Dreamland's former Grade II-listed cinema was transformed into a stylish retro picturehouse named the Empire for the movie.

When filming started in February, Marine Terrace was strewn with fake snow and hung with festoon lights between Nayland Rock and the Turner Contemporary, turning it into a picture postcard.

After the impressive illuminations proved popular with locals, the production crew agreed they could stay when filming ended.

They have since been removed after council bosses decided they were not suitable for long-term use.

Margate Main Sands, Marine Drive, Market Street, Albert Terrace, Hall by the Sea Road, King Street, Cliffe Street, Fort Paragon and Athelstan Road were also used for filming.