A VILLAGE history group is hoping a blockbuster film can revive interest in one of its former residents.

The £27million fantasy film The Secret of Moonacre is based on a book written by Elizabeth Goudge who lived in Marldon for many years.

The Little White Horse was a celebrated children's book in its day and was written in the village in 1946.

The Marldon Local History Group says the film, produced by Simon Crowe, which is currently being shown for a third week at Paignton's Apollo Cinema, could lead to a new generation of fans.

If interest is revived the group says it will organise a talk about the author who used many real-life Marldon locations in her book.

Tony Chidlow, treasurer, said: "There is nothing in the title to indicate the link to the book so it might not be obvious to many people.

"If there was interest locally or nationally in the film, then we would certainly consider a meeting based on Elizabeth Goudge, her books and local connections."

Elizabeth Goudge (1903-1984) was a hugely popular novelist who won the most prestigious children's award, the Carnegie medal, for her book.

But her themes of sacrifice and domestic life fell out of fashion in the 1960s and 70s.

However Harry Potter creator JK Rowling later described the book as one of her favourites.

The book is set in 1842 and follows young heroine Maria Merryweather's journey to the mysterious Moonacre Manor.

The manor is based on Compton Castle and Moonacre itself on the valley where it lies.

Dozens of locations mentioned in The Little White Horse and other books were inspired by the area.

The author herself lived at St Antony's cottage in Totnes Road with her mother and later built Providence Cottage in Westerland where she stayed until 1951.

The Secret of Moonacre also has local connections as it is produced by former Torquay Boys' Grammar School pupil Simon Crowe.

Mr Chidlow said: "I haven't seen the film yet but I would be interested to see what they have done with it."

Anyone who wants to find out more about the history group and the life of Elizabeth Goudge should visit www.marldonhistory.co.uk