Cumbrian actor Charlie Hunnam rubs shoulders with football superstar David Beckham in his latest blockbuster role in a new film about King Arthur.

The movie is a said to be a "bold new take" on the classic Excalibur myth.

But this time the focus is on Arthur's "difficult journey from the streets to the throne after being robbed of his birthright".

Celebrity filmmaker Guy Ritchie is in the director's chair for King Arthur: Legend of the Sword, which will hit cinemas on May 19.

Former Carlisle student Hunnam, 37, who attended Queen Elizabeth Grammar School in Penrith and the former Cumbria Institute of the Arts in the city, plays the starring role of Arthur.

The film also stars Jude Law, who plays the part of Vortigern.

England legend Beckham - who also starred for clubs including Manchester United, Real Madrid and AC Milan - makes a cameo as a medieval soldier.

Although filming did not take place in Cumbria - this county has long been linked with the Arthur legend.

Longtown is in the parish of Arthuret and has long laid claim to connections.

In 1669, the local rector wrote in the parish register: "Arthuret has its name from the famous King Arthur, King of the Ancient Britons, in whose time there was a battle fought here, probably on the moor of the same name."

The town has gained links because a battle was fought nearby involving a man who the Arthurian legend is thought to be based on.

This took place in the 6th century and according to legend 80,000 were slain.

Author, Adam Ardrey, who wrote the books Finding Merlin and Finding Arthur, said: "I am really looking forward to the release of King Arthur: Legend of the Sword. I have seen the trailer and it looks like it will be spectacular.

"Put briefly, Arthur, Arthur Mac Aedan, fought at the Battle of Arderydd.

"This battle was fought on the south bank of the River Esk which forms the modern Scotland/England border."

But Mr Ardrey poured cold water on suggestions that King Arthur’s Round Table, an earthworks at Eamont Bridge, near Penrith, had anything to do with the legend.

This site is a natural ampitheatre, ideal for knights to gather and swap their stories of adventure and romance.