Film star Bill Nighy, author Anthony Horowitz and movie producer Marc Samuelson were special guests at the black-tie event at the Villa Marina on Sunday evening.

They mingled with fans during an hour-long champagne reception, signing autographs and chatting.

Guests at the charity event, which was raising money for the Isle of Man Children's Centre, then had a chance to watch the £25 million film.

Based on the first in the series of Alex Rider novels by Mr Horowitz, Stormbreaker tells the story of how a 14-year-old reluctantly becomes a spy and takes on his first mission.

Mr Nighy, who plays spy boss Alan Blunt, appears alongside stars including Ewan McGregor, Alicia Silverstone, Sophie Okonedo and Alex Pettyfer, in the lead role.

The event was organised to support the Building Blocks Appeal, and Children's Centre chairman John Knight said he expected more than £2,000 to be raised.

He said the gala had helped raise the charity's profile and paid tribute to the stars who attended, adding it was 'really, really fantastic'.

Producer Mr Samuelson revealed Stormbreaker had taken more than £1 million since opening on Friday.

He said it was 'amazing and thrilling' to be back in the Island with the finished film, shot here in 2005, and admitted the editing would take locals on a 'weird journey' around the Isle of Man.

'It seems to be going very well,' he said. 'It is going to be distributed in every country in the world, it will be seen everywhere.'

Mr Samuelson added that without the assistance of Isle of Man Film, the movie may not have been made.

Mr Nighy, who also stars in the hugely successful Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest, agreed, adding a large percentage of British films wouldn't be made if it weren't for the Island.

Despite being in huge demand, Mr Nighy agreed to the Island trip. He explained: 'I will use any excuse to come to the Island, the people are very pleasant and happy to see us, and I'm very proud of the film.

'I have had a very long and very satisfying association with the Isle of Man.

'Just as a place, I am always happy here. The work I have done in the Isle of Man I am as proud of as anything in my career.'

Mr Horowitz revealed he was working on the script for the second film — based on Point Blanc — and that could start shooting next year.

However, fans of 16-year-old Alex Pettyfer will be devastated to learn he won't reprise the role, because of his age.

Mr Horowitz, who spent almost three hours signing books ahead of the gala, added: 'The Isle of Man has given us fantastic support, it would have been impossible without you.'

He added he was 'grateful and flattered' by the turnout at the book signing.

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