SHEEPSTOR and Meavy were thrown into the spotlight this week as blockbuster director Steven Spielberg arrived to begin directing the film version of West Devon author Michael Morpurgo's 'The War Horse'.

The veteran director and his crew are filming in several locations on the moor for the opening scenes of the movie — it tells the story of a horse, Joey, who is sold to the cavalry then shipped to France during the first world war.

The film centres on Joey's owner, a young farmhand, who braves the trenches in an effort to find his beloved colt.

There was a sense of excitement around the Dartmoor villages this week as road blocks were set up, large props such as fruit carts and hay wagons started appearing and minibuses full of extras dressed in period costume.

Police officers and Dartmoor rangers were in attendance to make sure everything went smoothly.

But it is not the first time this area of Dartmoor has been host to a major film — it was used for the picture 'Revolution' in the early 1980s, directed by Hugh Hudson, formerly of Walredden near Tavistock, which starred Al Pacino, Donald Sutherland and Natassja Kinski.

Mr Spielberg arrived at Exeter Airport in a private aeroplane on Saturday and is expected to leave on Thursday before returning for more filming next month.

Regulars at the Royal Oak in Meavy said they were yet to share a pint with Mr Spielberg, but they had met several of the crew.

Regular Tim Delooze said: 'We have met some of the people that build the sets, ride the horses and look after the security. They have been very pleasant and are very interested in the area.'

Mr Delooze said Meavy had had its fare share of celebrities: 'I don't think I would recognise Steven Spielberg if he walked in the pub but Peter Shilton used to be a regular here when he lived at Dousland,' he said.

A local farmer, who wished to remain anonymous, said his family had supplied Whitefaced Dartmoor ewes for the filming, trailers and other equipment.

'I think it is great that all this is bringing money into the area and providing work for hundreds of extras,' he said.

The 'War Horse' was inspired following conversations Mr Morpurgo had with war veterans in his local pub.

'It was written as a tribute to the one million horses killed in the conflict and has become a popular stage show in London.

The script for the film is by 'Four Weddings and a Funeral' writer Richard Curtis and 'Billy Elliot' writer Lee Hall, and many of the cast are British.

Jeremy Irvine will make his film debut in the lead role of Albert. The film will be released by Disney in August next year.

Mr Morpurgo said: 'I have a great deal of hope and a great deal of belief that Steven Spielberg and producer Kathleen Kennedy can pull this off and make an iconic film about the first world war.

'It is difficult, though, for them, as there is some affection for the book, and huge enthusiasm for the play and it will not be easy for them to create a film when everyone has such high expectations, but if anyone can do it, they can.'

Mr Morpurgo said there was a wonderful cast-list of extraordinary British, German and French talent, one of whom was also in the National Theatre production of War Horse.

'This film looks as if it will be conceived and made rather more quickly than most of the books I write!' he added.

'I am confident that Steven Spielberg will do a wonderful job.

'He is one of the greatest storytellers we have ever known. What is extraordinary is his range of interests and ability. Anyone who can make a cinematic triumph of both ET and Schindler's List can do wonders with War Horse.'