Dreamland's iconic sign is being replaced for a new feature film by an acclaimed director and producer.

Oscar winner Sam Mendes, who directed the Bond films Skyfall and Spectre, is using the theme park in Margate to shoot his next movie, Empire of Light.

Pictures captured by Roy Foord show how the iconic sign has been removed amid the ongoing revamp.

Planning applications were submitted to Thanet council last month for temporary changes to the former seafront cinema.

This includes removing the large Dreamland signs and replacing them with the words Empire Cinema until May 15, when the park's original lettering will be reinstated.

A readograph cinema lightbox could also be installed along the front of the building, as well as three runs of neon strips.

A temporary ticket kiosk and doors at the front of the building for the film will also be installed.

In the planning documents, the applicant said: “The proposed works include a series of temporary installations both externally and internally, which are being proposed as part of a film set for an upcoming feature film, part of which will be filmed in the Dreamland cinema building.

“In general, the applications seek consent for temporary alterations, in that everything that is proposed as part of this process will be removed, with any fixing points into the building made good and reinstated to their previous condition, once filming is complete.

“It should be noted that the team who will be installing the temporary works are highly experienced in working with buildings of historic interest, and have successfully installed and removed similar temporary schedules of works on a variety of heritage assets, including a number of stately homes.”

The film will star The Crown’s Olivia Coleman, Love Actually actor Colin Firth, and Star Wars actress Crystal Clarke, with filming due to start next month.

Michael Ward, who plays Jamie in Netflix hit Top Boy, part of which was filmed in Thanet, also has a major role.

Plot details are scant but Empire of Light is a love storm centred around a cinema on the coast.