Welwyn Garden City became the scene of a post-apocalyptic town as film crews filmed a new zombie film last night.

Welwyn Hatfield Times: A large black truck with the words S.W.A.T visible is parked on Fretherne RoadA large black truck with the words S.W.A.T visible is parked on Fretherne Road (Image: Archant)

Patient Zero, which stars former Doctor Who, Matt Smith, and Natalie Dormer from Game of Thrones, tells the story of one man’s quest to find the eponymous ‘Patient Zero’ and a cure for the global pandemic which has turned the majority of humankind into violent ‘infected’.

Also among the cast are Hunger Games actor, Stanley Tucci, and former model Agyness Deyn. It is directed by Stefan Ruzowitzky, who won an Oscar for Best Foreign Language Film in 2008.

The filming comes on the back of Welwyn Hatfield Council’s commitment to a film friendly charter with Creative England in March this year.

Michel Saminaden, council chief executive, said: “It is excellent to welcome another high-profile production to the borough and we’d like to thank all the residents and businesses in the town centre for their support.

“The event created quite a buzz and we hope this will attract more filming to Welwyn Hatfield so everyone can enjoy the many benefits it brings, especially to the local economy.”

Producer, Vincent Newman, and executive producer, Steve Norris, said: “We were first attracted to the town centre because of the architecture and landscaped gardens, but we’ve been really impressed with how receptive and welcoming everyone has been.

“It has been a pleasure to film here and we’d like to extend our thanks to local businesses, residents, Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council, Herts Highways and the Police for their help with facilitating our shoot.”

The film will be released in the US in 2016 with a UK release date after that.

For more information about filming in Welwyn Hatfield, please visit: www.welhat.gov.uk/filmingrequests