HOLLYWOOD stars helped boost Hampshire’s economy by £3million last year.

County council body Film Hampshire attracted several crews to film in the region including blockbusters like Les Misérables, filmed in Winchester.

Film Hampshire researches and finds scenic locations to shoot and offers more than 350 locations including 40 historic country houses and 25 parks and forests.

Cllr Ray Ellis, executive member for economic development at the council, said he was pleased Hampshire’s attractions were being noticed by Hollywood.

He said: “I’m encouraged that we attracted £3 million to Hampshire last year from the film industry. Among Hampshire's great attractions are its outstanding historic buildings and stunning landscapes, which are in much demand.

“These figures for 2012 underline the important work that Hampshire County Council's Film Hampshire is doing to strengthen our economy, as not only do production crews bring an immediate boost to hotels and restaurants but films, adverts and TV programmes showcase our beautiful countryside which in turn encourages more tourists to visit and stay.

“We are hoping that 2013 will be even more successful.”

Tom Cruise and Brad Pitt also filmed in Hampshire last year with All You Need Is Kill and World War Z respectively, while television shows Wartime Farm, Miss Marple and The Fixer were also shot in the county.