FORDINGBRIDGE company Dalbergia Ltd. has won a contract to make furniture for the set of a new film, The Golden Compass, which began filming this month.

The film is an adaptation of the first novel in Philip Pullman's trilogy, His Dark Materials, and stars Nicole Kidman, Daniel Craig and, as yet unknown British schoolgirl, Dakota Blue Richards.

Dalbergia, of Bridge Street, has worked with the film's designers to create a pair of flame-birch veneer sofas, with a set of four matching side tables as well as a pair of futuristically designed tub chairs and a stunning marquetry topped coffee table in satinwood, macasser ebony and weathered sycamore veneers.

As well as making new pieces of furniture to almost any design, Dalbergia's range of services includes furniture conservation and restoration and upholstery.

Film work is new for the company, which more regularly restores existing furniture and makes bespoke pieces for customers.

Company owner Piers Paterson, said: "This was a really enjoyable and exciting project to work on and was an opportunity to showcase a range of our skills.

"The furniture has been well received by the film's designers and it looks fantastic on set."