Steven Spielberg’s First World War epic War Horse has been nominated for best drama at the prestigious Golden Globes.

The film, based on a play inspired by Westcountry author Michael Morpurgo’s novel, stars Sherlock actor Benedict Cumberbatch, Emily Watson, Tom Hiddleston and David Thewlis. It follows on from the success of the play which debuted at the National Theatre on London’s South Bank in 2007 before sell-out West End and Broadway runs.

The critically acclaimed story is set against the backdrop of the First World War and tells of the bravery, loyalty, and the extraordinary bond between a young recruit and his horse, Joey. It tells the story of the horse being sold to the cavalry then shipped to France during the war, and

of his young owner’s mission to bring him home.

The book was inspired by the children’s author talking to people in The Duke of York pub in the remote village of Iddesleigh, Mid Devon, not far from the author’s home, about their experiences of the war.

Mr Morpurgo was an extra in the screen adaptation.

Also up at the awards is The Artist, a tribute to silent-era films, which leads the running with six nominations – seen as a pointer for Oscar success.

The awards, organised by the Hollywood Foreign Press Association, will be held in Los Angeles on January 15 and will again be hosted by comedian Ricky Gervais. The star of The Office caused controversy last year with his sharp-tongued presenting style. He was branded “tasteless, bordering on nasty” for remarks which tackled scientology, gay celebrities

pretending to be straight and the Hollywood Foreign Press Association allegedly taking bribes. He also introduced Bruce Willis as the father of Demi Moore’s new partner, Ashton Kutcher.