IPSWICH: Ipswich has been selected as one of the principal locations for a new British feature film, it has today been announced.

Christchurch Park and Chantry Park have been chosen as prime locations for Private Peaceful, based on the novel War Horse by Michael Morpurgo, telling the powerful story of a British solider, Tommo Peaceful.

Christchurch Mansion will be closed to the public from Wednesday, September 21, to Saturday, September 24, to allow for the filming to take place.

There will also be areas of the park closed while outside filming takes place and there will be no entrance from the Soane Street entrance during filming between Thursday, September 22, and Saturday, September 24.

Some areas of Chantry Park will be restricted to the public on Wednesday, September 28, during filming. Access to the Chantry Park play areas and the SueRyder Home will not be affected during the filming.

The film’s all-British cast is made up of George MacKay (The Boys are Back, Birdsong), Jack O’Connell (Eden Lake, Harry Brown, Skins), Richard Griffiths (Harry Potter, The History Boys, Withnail& I), Alexandra Roach (The Iron Lady), Frances De La Tour (Alice in Wonderland, The History Boys, The Book of Eli).

Michael Morpurgo, author and executive producer, said: “More than 30 years ago, after meeting a First World War veteran from my own village in Devon, I wrote War Horse, my first book about this war. I then wrote Private Peaceful, after visiting Ypres, learning of the 300 British soldiers executed for cowardice or desertion – two for simply falling asleep at their posts.

“Knowing Simon and Pat, they will make the film with the passion and conviction that the 300 deserve.”