Hundreds of people have queued for a chance to be an extra in a big screen remake of the Lewis Carroll fantasy Alice In Wonderland.

The queue snaked for nearly a quarter of a mile from the New Continental Hotel in Plymouth, Devon, where some scenes of the Tim Burton directed film could be shot.

First in the queue was 25-year-old songwriter Andy Lessiter, from Plymouth, who began his vigil at 2am.

He hopes to be among around 250 people who will be used as extras in the Disney film.

"I am auditioning because I would like to be a film actor," he said, adding: "I have been on stage in plays at school and in college."

Behind Mr Lessiter in the queue was 16-year-old A-level student Katie Goffin.

"Just to be an extra in a film by Tim Burton would be an amazing achievement," said the Plymouth teenager, who has been a member of the local Wranglers Theatre Company for 11 years.

The extras will be measured by the costume department, photographed, and meet casting directors and members of the make-up team. They were also advised some of them may have to wear corsets for 12 hours - and to "bring a good book" if chosen.

The hopefuls will have to wait around two weeks before hearing whether they have been chosen as an extra for the film. Scenes will be shot in the Plymouth area for two weeks in September.