FILM fans across Worcestershire are in for a special treat when the new Shrek film comes out this week - because our own county gets several mentions.

In the movie, on general release from today, Shrek - a grumpy but loveable green ogre - travels to Worcestershire to find the heir to the throne of Far Far Away.

Arriving at the gates of Worcestershire Academy, a high school, Shrek's talkative companion Donkey mis-pronounces Worcestershire, leading to a comment about it being said "like the sauce".

Director of Shrek the Third Chris Miller said it was actually a running joke throughout the film.

"There was a lot more of it that we ended up having to cut out. It was this on-going joke. We'd written songs and everything."

Mr Miller, who helped to write the first two Shrek films, said they chose Worcestershire because it is always being mispronouced.

"It just made us laugh. Plus we love the sauce, it's hugely popular in the States."

At preview screenings in Worcester, audiences howled with laugher when Worcestershire was mentioned.

"I'm glad it's going down so well," said Mr Miller.

"I hope everybody enjoys it and, you never know, there might be more Worcestershire scenes on DVD."

Alex Jones, general manager of the Odeon in Foregate Street, said: "The audience burst out laughing when they heard it. I think it's something that will be remembered."

Nigel Dicke, a spokesman for Lea & Perrins Worcestershire Sauce, said: "We are delighted one of the nation's favourite sauces has been paired with one of the nation's favourite animated characters."

Shrek The Third features the voice talents of Mike Myers, Cameron Diaz as feisty Princess Fiona, Eddie Murphy as Donkey, and Antonio Banderas as Puss in Boots.

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