A Somerset sailing club has found itself at the centre of Hollywood blockbuster Swallows and Amazons after teaching one of its stars to take to the water.
Sutton Bingham Sailing Club was approached to teach Yeovil teenager Dane Hughes, who plays John Walker in the upcoming big screen adaptation, the art of yachting.
The film required actors who were able to combine the skills of delivering lines with faultlessly manoeuvring dinghies.
Producer Nick Barton originally wanted children who could already sail, but when this approach failed, young actors were cast and taught to sail instead.
Sutton Bingham was approached to teach Dane last summer, and guided him through a crucial sailing qualification – while keeping the big screen link secret.
Mike Burke presents Swallows & Amazons lead actor, Dane Hughes with his RYA Level 1 certificate
A spokesman for Sutton Bingham Sailing Club said: “Dane joined the training course and successfully completed an adult RYA level 1 course under the instruction of senior instructor Mike Burke assisted by assistant instructor Sam Barnes.
“The training was conducted in one of the club’s Comet Trio dinghies with the content especially adapted to concentrate on boat handling skills and manoeuvring the boat to be expected during filming.
“Dane picked up the skills quickly and passed the level 1 award with flying colours.”
The film is screening this week at Cineworld Yeovil.
(As published in the Western Gazette and online at www.SomersetLive.co.uk)