Tenby recently transformed into Transylvania, as the resort’s historical St. Catherine’s Island hosted a late night ‘Hammer House of Horror’ style photo shoot.

Several actors and models followed a fictitious storyline and the scenes were captured on camera by local award winning amateur photographer David Bolton.

Entitled ‘Dracula’s Island’ the story dramatized various scenes played by four actors and actresses, with the part of Dracula played by John Price from Llanelli, who has been involved with several similar projects where he has played well-known characters such as Gandalf, Scrooge, Henry VIII and Charlie Chaplin to name but a few.

David and John met during a ‘Pirate’ photo shoot in Tenby last year, organised by Tenby Camera club. The two teamed up again earlier this year and, along with John’s wife Debbie, used the town’s dark alleyways as a backdrop for a ‘Jack The Ripper’ storyline which was eventually made into a DVD. Motivated by this success they approached John Loring, caretaker manager of St. Catherine’s Island, who gave an exclusive six hour access to the interior of the fort.

Alongside Dracula were three other actors/models from the locality - Leah Thomas played the part of the victim Elisabeth, Kristian Westmacott was the vampire slayer Van-Helsing, and Leah’s younger sister Ella Thomas played the tavern serving girl.

From an early age Leah and Kristian have been involved in local productions and together will be starting drama college this month to follow what they hope will be a long and successful stage career.

Thanks must go to the support crew - Kelly Thomas, Lorraine Bolton, Arleen and Richie Westmacott for all their hard work, and to Griggles Theatrical Shop for costumes and makeup. Also a big thank you to the staff from the island, including Lisa Love, Mark Bennett and John himself, who were instrumental to the success of the photo shoot.

"One of the many unique characteristics of St. Catherine’s Island is its colourful and varied history, something we feel the need to continue to support and nurture, especially within smaller groups within the local community,” said John.

“It’s been a pleasure to provide a little help to these guys, each with their own unique talent for setting very high standards in theatrical photography. “We wish each of them every success for the future and look forward to working with them again,” he added.