A public inquiry in the UK was due to hear opening statements today as Pinewood Studios battles campaigners over expansion plans.

The studio complex in Buckinghamshire is part-owned by the Manx government, which spent just over ?12 million buying almost ten per cent in the company.

The inquiry in Heatherden Hall is probing Pinewood's ?200 million expansion plans, which it claims would create more than 3,000 jobs.

This morning Pinewood Studios, South Bucks District Council and campaign organisation Stop Project Pinewood were all due to deliver their opening addresses.