A star of Grange Hill, Eastenders, The Bill and Dancing on Ice has taken up temporary residence in a county town to direct his first feature film.

Todd Carty – famous for playing Mark Fowler in Albert Square and Tucker Jenkins in children's BBC serial Grange Hill – is living in Hinckley for a five-week summer school making the children's horror film, The Perfect Burger.

He is helping about 350 students who auditioned to work with the Co-operative British Youth Film Academy, a film company made up of professionals who teach as they work.

The film is being made at the Hinckley campus of North Warwickshire and Hinckley College, which is one of several 'partner' colleges involved.

Locations in and around the town are also being used for the filming.

About 50 of the youngsters live locally, while many of the others will be camping in the college grounds.

The film is a macabre tale set in a school where the old head dies of gluttony and a new one instigates a healthy regime featuring nutritionally perfect burgers. All is well until children start disappearing.

Todd has already started work with some of the cast ahead of four weeks' filming which starts today.

He told the Mercury that he is trying to put his hand to working behind the camera, as well as in front of it.

He said he was really enjoying being on location in Hinckley.

He said: "It is a lovely town so it will be a pleasure to be here.

"We have been on a couple of reccies, looking at the locations, and we have sampled some of the local ale and hospitality. It was very nice too."

He said that when the real work starts they will be working 12-hour days but he hopes there will be some early finishes with the chance to try local 'restaurants and watering holes'.

Todd will be one of a number of professionals mentoring students selected from auditions. The young people will be covering all aspects of film-making from sound recording to make-up.

Producer Paul Mills said: "A film set is like a microcosm of industry in general.

"You need construction, catering, hair and make-up, publicity – it involves students from all parts of the educational system. The enthusiasm of these students, and their thirst for knowledge, is refreshing and inspiring."

Hinckley performing arts student Stevie Slaymaker, 17, has landed a key role in the film.

He said: "Todd is very good. He knows what he is talking about and it is a great experience to talk with someone who has been there and done it and have him share his experience with us."

A college spokesman said it was exciting to have the academy using the campus for their summer school.

She said: "This is an incredible opportunity for the future film makers of the country.

"To work alongside Todd Carty is the icing on the cake."

Jonathan White, of Hinckley Town Centre Partnership, said it was boosting the area's positive profile.