Nearly 4,000 people braved sub-zero temperatures in Chatham on Saturday to queue for a chance to appear alongside Hollywood actors in the new movie version of Les Miserables.

Young and old from 16 to 70 braved the cold as auditions were held for extras to play villagers, passer-bys, nuns, students, military officers, and convicts alongside Hollywood stars in a big-screen adaptation of one of the world's most popular musicals, which will star Hugh Jackman and Russell Crowe.

The auditions were held at The University of Kent buildings at Chatham Maritime yesterday (4 February).

But at least 2,000 people were left disappointed, as they were turned away despite waiting for hours, and police were called in to help ease the frustration for the would-be extras.

Just some of the crowd of hopefuls  Photo: Karol Steele

However among those lucky enough to get to the casting session were Dover mum and son acting duo Karol and Ben Steele, who is studying Drama at UCF.

A number of students from The University Centre in Folkestone's Drama department, A level drama students from Brockhill School, and many Dover and Folkestone students on the Canterbury College Performing Arts course were also successful.

Filming is due to begin in March at the Chatham Dockyards.

© Hawkinge Gazette and Channel Coast News 2012