Hundreds of hopefuls queued for their chance of 15 minutes of fame as film-makers searched for extras to appear in a new movie starring Hollywood actress Kirsten Dunst.

Scouts from Working Title Films, the company behind Bridget Jones's Diary and Four Weddings And A Funeral, arrived in Brighton on Saturday to find people to appear in its next film.

When they opened the doors at The PhotoMedia Centre in Middle Street at 9am there was already a line of people eager to sit on the casting couch.

By 11am the queue extended halfway up Middle Street, with about 200 people waiting, some with props such as skateboards or bikes.

Ann Head, from Hove, gave up her Saturday morning to attend the open casting for the upcoming film Wimbledon, part of which will be filmed in Brighton as it is the home city of the lead male character, played by Paul Bettany.

She and her children Jemima and Kim waited for more than an hour.

The 49-year-old housewife said: "We can't turn back now, it's too good an opportunity to miss."

Kim, ten, said: "My mum saw the story in The Argus and told me they were looking for extras. I wanted to come down because I want to be famous when I am older.

"I'd like to be an actress or a singer and travel around the world. I want to meet lots of stars."

Once inside, their details were taken, including body measurements and contact numbers.

They were asked if they had a dog, car or bike and any skills, such as playing tennis or juggling. Each had two photographs taken.

Helen Allibone, crowd third assistant director for the film, said they were surprised and pleased at the huge turnout.

About 100 people are expected to be picked to be extras.

Most of those selected will be passers-by in the film, which is a romantic comedy starring Dunst, of Spiderman fame, and Paul Bettany, who starred opposite Russell Crowe in A Beautiful Mind.

It is set at the Wimbledon tennis tournament but part of the film will be shot in Brighton.