THE timer on a deadly missile counts down as the heroes try to disable its warhead while fighter jets close in.

It could be a scene straight out of a Hollywood blockbuster - except it all takes place on the Malvern Hills.

This summer, shooting begins on a new movie that will blow away the town's image as a quiet backwater.

Featuring car chases, shoot-outs and plenty of martial arts action, The Beacon is Malvern's answer to the James Bond movies.

With the catchline "They had Kalashnikovs, she had a desk job, the town never knew what hit it," The Beacon is the tale of a bored office clerk who saves the world.

Sarah, the heroine, is spurred into action when terrorists get their hands on a set of GECchem rockets.

The high-octane adventure is the brainchild of 20-year-old Neil Oseman, who attended the Chase High School before moving to Hereford.

A freelance film-maker, he has already cut his teeth with a series of short films, but The Beacon is his first full-length movie.

He saved up £3,000 for the film's 30-day shoot and hopes to recoup it by selling around 150 copies after it is given a certificate.

Neil began the script while working for the Ministry of Agriculture in Worcester two years ago as a clerk - just like the movie's heroine.

"I was sitting at my desk one day and thought wouldn't it be amazing if someone ran into the office and said there was a plan to take over the world? The boring filing would take on a whole new dimension," he said.

He finished the script earlier this year and is now looking for unpaid volunteers to join a cast of between 10 and 20.

Among the starring roles are Sarah, Cameron the villain and Conrad the geeky sidekick who saves the day.

Neil, influenced by action directors like John Woo and James Cameron, admitted Malvern was an unusual setting.

"It's a lovely place but there's not much for young people, which can be frustrating," he said. "I think it would be great for them to see a different side of it."

Anyone interested in auditioning should call Neil on 01432 376933 or email neil@the-beacon.com