FOUR Bournemouth rowers are set to become stars of the silver screen with the release of the new blockbuster movie Robin Hood.

Ellis Hagger, Mark Green, William Powell and Barry Lester rubbed shoulders with Russell Crowe and William Hurt after being picked to form part of the marine crew in the exciting new take on the Sherwood Forest-dwelling swashbuckler, who stole from the rich and gave to the poor.

The Westover and Bournemouth Rowing Club members rowed landing craft and medieval rowing gigs in Freshwater West, Pembrokeshire, working on the film set for seven weeks last summer before progressing to Pinewood Studios to help with filming the stunts.

Ellis, 43, who lives in Dean Park, said: “It was the experience of a lifetime. An email went round all the coastal rowing clubs about appearing in a movie. Mark phoned first about an interview. When he got the job we rang as well and found out that we were all going to be in the film.

“We weren’t ‘extras’, we were classed as ‘marine crew’ which meant we were paid double and mixed freely with the actors.

“We went in at the top – you can’t beat that.

“Two of us were also picked to row King Richard’s royal galley alongside 10 other rowers with Russell Crowe and William Hurt.

“I was also given a ‘drowning scene’ when director Ridley Scott asked for a volunteer. I’m not the strongest swimmer but I wanted to give it a go anyway.

“At the same time there are two dead bodies floating in the sea. I don’t know if it will make it into the final cut but if it does I am going to stand up in the cinema and shout ‘That’s me’.”

Ellis added: “Russell Crowe was a pleasure to work with and I even offered to teach him to row a single sculling boat. He said: ‘Bring it to the set and I’ll give it a try.’ “I asked all the merry men for their autographs as well as William, Russell and Ridley Scott. As souvenirs we kept a medieval wooden oar, helmet and an arrow.

“I haven’t seen the movie yet but a group of about 20 of us are going to see it tomorrow. I’m just a little bit excited about it.

“On the back of this opportunity Mark and I are starting a new rowing club called Bournemouth Surf Boat Club.

“We were given an Australian Surf Boat from Bournemouth Surf Lifesavers which we are restoring and it could be launched on Bournemouth waters this summer.”

• Tickets for Robin Hood, which will be screened in cinemas from Wednesday are now on sale.