IT HAS already played host to some of Hollywood’s biggest stars.

The New Forest has provided a backdrop for films such as Robin Hood Prince of Thieves, A Man For All Seasons and the latest Mission Impossible thriller.

Now the traditional cry of “Lights, camera, action” could become an even more familiar part of forest life.

A new agreement drawn up between the district council and Creative England aims to encourage directors to use the area as a location for movies and TV series.

The deal looks set to give the local economy a major boost, with production crews spending up to £40,000 a day on goods and services.

Creative England works with film and TV studios filming outside of London, helping to ensure the benefits of the multi-million pound industry are felt throughout the UK.

The not-for-profit organisation has a national database that is searched daily by production crews looking for the best locations.

Creative England is staging an event that aims to encourage New Forest property owners to allow their buildings to be added to the database.

The get together will be held at the district council offices at Appletree Court in Lyndhurst on July 18.

Creative England’s Hayley Armstrong will be joined by location manager Harriet Lawrence, who has worked on high-profile productions such as Suffragette.

Other contributors will include Jane Riddiford from the Beaulieu Estate, which is already on the database and often receives requests for filming.

Creative England is also sending out a photographer to take pictures of potential locations for film and TV epics.

Ms Armstrong said: “The New Forest has a huge amount to offer the filmmaker, with its diverse range of locations and film-friendly district council.

“We hope to lend our expertise to both the private and public sectors in the area to make the most of future filming opportunities.”

The council leader, Cllr Barry Rickman added: “We welcome our partnership with Creative England and look forward to working with them.

“The investment generated through our collaboration will be hugely important in supporting our local economy and the 8,000 businesses contained within.”