HOT Fuzz director Edgar Wright, who grew up in Somerset, has been unveiled as the first ever patron of a seafront cinema.

Edgar, who is also famed for Shaun of the Dead and The World's End, has taken on the role at The Mowlem, in Swanage, the town where he was born.

As a boy he moved with his family to Wells, where he spent several years.

He said: "I was born and raised in Dorset and lived in Swanage until I was seven.

"The Mowlem was one of the first cinemas I ever attended, and it was partly responsible for a film fandom that continues to this day.

"Some movies I saw there in first release with my parents and older brother Oscar, included the Ralph Bakshi animated 'Lord Of The Rings', 'Watership Down', 'Star Trek: The Motion Picture' and 'Clash Of The Titans'.

"I returned to Swanage for a break last summer and was thrilled that the Mowlem was still showing movies.

"Standing in the auditorium again was a very pleasant experience, and I hope to be down again soon.

"I am proud to be a patron. I'm a film director now, but I never stopped being a film-goer. Keep up the great work."

Edgar is also credited with co-writing and directing the cult classic Scott Pilgrim vs the World, the action film Baby Driver, the music documentary The Sparks Brothers and the psychological horror film Last Night in Soho.

A statement from the board of trustees at the Mowlem said: "The trustees of the Mowlem Institute Charity are pleased to announce that Edgar Wright has agreed to become the first patron of The Mowlem Theatre.

"The appointment of a patron for The Mowlem Theatre was an aspiration stated in our 2022 business plan, but not one we imagined would be fulfilled so quickly.

"Finding a patron with an incredible catalogue of work and a genuine connection to Swanage and The Mowlem goes far beyond what we had envisaged.

"We are very grateful to Mr Wright for agreeing to become our patron.

"We look forward to working with him to continue our work to make The Mowlem Theatre not just the cultural hub of Swanage but also a destination for visitors from across the region and beyond."