Over 1,500 girls have queued at an open audition for the new film adaptation of His Dark Materials.

Casting directors for The Golden Compass were looking to cast the role of heroine Lyra Belacqua, who travels through parallel universes as she attempts to save her best friend.

A number of other open auditions are due to be held around the country. Those who are successful will be asked to audition again at a later date.

The film will be produced by New Line, and directed by Anand Tucker.