Filming for a major new movie – starring Robert Downey Jr and Antonio Banderas – is to take place in Kirkby Lonsdale next month.

A chase scene for The Voyage of Doctor Dolittle, which is being made by Universal Pictures, will be shot in the town between May 15 and 17.

Robert Downey Jr - best known for playing Iron Man in the smash-hit Marvel Studios movies - plays a man who can talk to animals.

Damian Atkins, general manager of The Royal Hotel, said: “The front of the hotel will be modified for filming with all the modern light fittings, hanging baskets and signage taken down or covered up to give the building a more period appearance.

“Filming is going to take place around the Market Square and there will be a fake wall across The Royal’s cobbled access lane.

“We are pleased to be involved and are looking forward to seeing behind the scenes and hope The Royal will be featured in this major new film, which is due for release in April 2019.”

The movie features the voices of stars such as Tom Holland, who recently shot to fame as Spiderman, Emma Thompson, John Cena, Ralph Fiennes and Selena Gomez as computer generated characters.

Also starring in the film are Michael Sheen, Banderas and Marion Cotillard.

The movie will be the latest in a series of productions to come to Cumbria.

Big-screen successes have included Miss Potter, along with Swallows and Amazons.

On the small screen, Coronation Street has been the latest to broadcast from the county – with the dramatic Pat Phelan exit storyline shot in and around Whitehaven.

The Voyage of Doctor Doolittle is scheduled for release in the UK on April 5, 2019.