Eastbourne has seen a record-breaking 95 per cent increase in filming in just one year.

It has featured as the backdrop for several feature films, adverts, pop videos and stills photography for a variety of magazines in the last 12 months.

Last year Oscar-winning actress Dame Judi Dench caused a stir when she shot scenes for the movie Notes on a Scandal.

And Beachy Head featured in the JK Rowling blockbuster Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire.

Scenes have also been shot for Little Britain, Foyle's War and Channel 4 comedy, the Green Wing.

Tourism chiefs in Eastbourne hope the exposure will translate into more visitors boosting its economy.

Senior borough councillor Barbara Goodall said: "It really is good news that Eastbourne continues to be so popular as a venue.

"With so many different types of location from the Marina, the seafront and the downs, it is no wonder that film producers find Eastbourne an ideal location."

Eastbourne has gained a growing reputation as a top filming location for TV and film. Its assets include the stunning downland at Beachy Head and its Victorian seafront and buildings.

In the previous two years the council film unit has seen an estimated 50 per cent jump in requests from production crews, with up to 60 approaches a year from film-makers.

Production units interested in working in Eastbourne are put in contact with security firms, stewards and companies able to provide extras for shoots.

Last year the world's most famous wizard returned to cinema screens in Harry Potter And The Goblet Of Fire.

Production teams involved in the latest JK Rowling epic travelled to St Bede's School in Duke's Drive, Eastbourne, last September to film on the downs.

The location provided the backdrop to the Quidditch World Cup, with a helicopter used to catch sweeping shots of the rolling hills before special effects teams add in the characters.

Eastbourne's seafront, with its Grade II-listed bandstand, pier and distinguished hotels, is also a film crew favourite.

The stars of BBC's Little Britain were seen strolling along the promenade and darting in and out of a small pharmacy last summer.

Comedians David Walliams and Matt Lucas, behind the show's characters, shot scenes at Beachy Head for series three of the show, which recently aired on BBC1.