A film about a classic Dickensian character inspired by a famous Gloucester businessman is being screened in the city.

Cinema-goers are in for a treat as Gloucester Guildhall shows The Man Who Invented Christmas, a film focusing on Charles Dickens and his writing of 'A Christmas Carol'.

The great Victorian author was no stranger to Gloucester and it was a real-life inhabitant of the city who is said inspired one of his most famous and enduring characters, Ebenezer Scrooge.

James 'Jemmy' Wood, often referred to as the Gloucester Miser, inherited one of the oldest private banks in Britain from his grandfather. The site on Westgate Street, now bears a commemorative plaque (pictured below).

Wood also owned an undertaking business and had extensive land in and around Gloucester as part of a vast personal fortune. He was known as 'the richest commoner in His Majesty's dominions'. Many tales circulated about his meanness, but it is not known how many are true.

For instance, it was said that he visited Gloucester Docks to fill his pockets with small pieces of coal that fell off the boats being unloaded and wore the same clothes for years on end.

There are many reminders of Gloucester's Victorian history in Charles Dickens' work with the author describing it as a "wonderful and misleading city" during one of his reading tours. He also waxed lyrical about the city docks which were then a hive of maritime activity.

Councillor Paul James, leader of Gloucester City Council and chairman of Marketing Gloucester, said: "Gloucester is very proud of its heritage and how it has inspired many of Britain's greatest literary heroes, especially Charles Dickens. The Man Who Invented Christmas is an excellent chance to find out more about arguably his most famous work."

The writing of 'A Christmas Carol' was incredibly important for Dickens' career and the story behind it is fascinating. The Man Who Invented Christmas recounts this story in an entertaining and educational fashion. The warm family drama will have regular showings from the 15 December to the 22 December. You can find out more information from Gloucester Guildhall's website at www.gloucesterguildhall.co.uk

You can also explore Gloucester's Victorian history at St Mary de Crypt Church www.discoverdecrypt.org.uk or take virtual tours of historic Gloucester and the docks www.gloucestertours.co.uk