Spectre will be the title of the 24th official James Bond film, its makers have announced.

Director Sam Mendes revealed the title at a launch event at Pinewood Studios in Buckinghamshire, where principal photography is due to begin on Monday.

Daniel Craig will play 007 for the fourth time in the film, to be released in the UK on 23 October 2015.

Other cast members were also announced at Thursday's event, which was beamed around the world.

They include Sherlock's Andrew Scott, as a Whitehall-based character called Denbigh, and Guardians of the Galaxy actor Dave Bautista, playing a henchman called Mr Hinx.

Italian actress Monica Bellucci and France's Lea Seydoux have been unveiled as the new 'Bond girls', named Lucia Sciarra and Madeleine Swann respectively.

Source: Press Release