TWIN girls are flying the flag for the North-East in Hollywood after a blockbuster Disney movie they star in hit the big screens.

Harley and Madison Preston, from Darlington, play Cinderella as a baby in Sir Kenneth Branagh's live action version of the fairytale, which was released this week.

The film stars Downton Abbey actress Lily James as the grown-up version of the title character, while Helena Bonham Carter plays the Fairy Godmother, and Cate Blanchett as Lady Tremaine, also known as the Wicked Stepmother.

The three-year-olds were chosen by Sir Kenneth after their mother, Nichola Preston, sent their photos to producers when they were less than two years old.

Mrs Preston said they were chosen for being the prettiest and most Cinderella-like, and the family were whisked off to Pinewood Studios, in Buckinghamshire, in August 2013 to film their scenes.

“I couldn’t believe it when they were chosen – I am really proud of them,” said Mrs Preston.

“We went down to Pinewood in first class, and they looked after us really well.

“Gavin (their father) spent a lot of time on set, while I stayed off set and chatted to people working behind the scenes.”

Mrs Preston said the twins had endured a tough start in life, with Madison in particular having to overcome health worries.

“They are both quite poorly, but during filming they were fine,” she added. “It is something we will be able to show them when they are older.”

To celebrate the release of the film, the twins and their family enjoyed a meal at The Keys, in Skinnergate, Darlington, before watching the film at the Odeon cinema, in North Road.