IT'S surprising no one thought of it sooner, filming a romantic comedy in Blackheath.

The vast expanse of green, lined by picturesque Georgian and Victorian townhouses and boutique shops and cafes with cosy tables outside, perfect for two, are just screaming out for a love story to happen there.

Proving it can be as seductive as Paris, finally Blackheath's rom-com potential has been harnessed in Making Waves, a film from director Nicolas van Pallandt.

Keen to capture both village and London vibes, Making Waves is the first feature to be filmed entirely in the borough of Lewisham, at recognisable south-east London landmarks such as the heath, Greenwich Observatory and Park and the Queen's House.

Starring Craig Henderson and Susie Benton as the romantic leads, it's a sweetly comic, albeit daft, story of two singletons who meet by chance on a ham radio network.

Disenchanted with their seemingly hum-drum lives, they stretch the truth about themselves, assuming they'll never meet in person.

Film buff Robert (Henderson), who runs the village's Prime Time video store, pretends to be a international reporter who sails in his spare time. Whereas Rachel (Benton) goes for the mountain-climbing orthodontist option, covering up her real life as a oral hygienist who longs to travel the world.

Fate, and a mad bunch of white witches, lead the Surrey-based Rachel to Blackheath and the fibbing two have no option but to hook up and see if they connect on a different kind of wavelength.

Attempts to cover up their ridiculous yarns result in some well-timed farce, especially when Robert's goofy actor-turned-waiter friend Rafe (natural comic actor Tom Bacon) is involved.

He brings a refreshing slapstick quality to the sweet yet gushy aspects, in a similar way Rhys Ifans did in Notting Hill, adding to the film's smart Notting Hill gets a Forest Hill makeover vibe.

Pallandt's playful script has an incredibly English quality, enhanced by the village's quaint locations and a cameo from Harry Potter and UK stage legend Robert Hardy.

Making Waves is a fitting tribute and triumph to its talented director - who has died since it was filmed in 2003 - and to its location.

Making Waves. On DVD now. Visit makingwavesthemovie.com