With its village green, 16th century church and historic manor house, Toddington seems about as unlikely a setting for a sci-fi horror film as it is possible to get.

But the picturesque community is being eyed up by Luton novelist Abdul Ahad, 40, who wants to set his first feature production, First Ark to Alpha Centauri, there.

Despite the tiny budget of £10,000, the Selbourne Road astronomy enthusiast hopes aspiring actors will want to get involved in the project in return for a cut of the profits.

First Ark to Alpha Centauri, based on Abdul's first novel by the same name, tells the story of a community of people who leave Earth to travel to the nearest habitable planet, a journey that will take them 20,000 years.

Set in the year 2375 and with influences including sci-fi classic Asylum Running and 80s horror hit Nightmare on Elm Street, the film sees the 80th generation of Utopians fighting off legions of deadly space wolves as they fight to reach Alpha Centauri.

The crew are also looking for other filming locations including a cinema, a nightclub and a white room that could be used as the spacecraft's control room.

And Abdul is also looking for assistance from local businesses or organisations that might want to sponsor the film to give its budget a boost.

If you'd like to audition for a part, offer a location or discuss sponsorship, contact Abdul on 07704 889149 or email info@astroscience.org