WYE Valley and Forest of Dean Tourism (WVFDT) has won an award for the ‘best use of video by destination marketing organisations’ for its video of Star Wars’ stormtroopers surfing the Severn Bore.

The award, from the Social Travel Britain Awards, was for the film released ahead of the premiere of Star Wars Episode VII: The Force Awakens, which has had over 11,200 views. Many scenes were filmed at Puzzlewood near Coleford.

Mark Terry-Lush, director of WVFDT, says: “We filmed the surfers in November to support the launch of a film and TV trail. The footage surged across Twitter and Facebook to create a wave of interest that helped place the Forest and Wye on the international screen tourism map.

“We’re very proud to have our work recognised. The film and TV trail is a major initiative and social media was at the heart of our marketing.

“We received an incredible response to the film as people all over the world shared the video and talked about the Forest of Dean as a must-visit destination. The award is a testimony to a coordinated team effort, not just behind the idea, but the production crew and social media team who captured and shared the skill of our plucky Severn Bore surfers.”

Go to visitdeanwyefilm.co.uk to view the video. Businesses interested in joining WVFDT should visit www. wyedeantourism.co.uk or email info@wyedean tourism.co.uk