SWALLOWS and Amazons, filmed on location in the Lake District, is proving a resounding summer-holiday hit among cinema goers young and old.

The film, shot on location at Derwentwater and Coniston Water, took £675,175 at the box office during its opening weekend at 452 cinemas.

The newly released version of Arthur Ransome's classic children's adventure faced blockbuster competition from the likes of Disney Pixar's Finding Dory, thriller Jason Bourne, The BFG and Pete's Dragon.

But it still managed to rank a respectable eighth in the top 10 films for August 19-21.

Kendal's Brewery Arts Centre cinema was the "top indie site", according to independent box office figures, with the venue taking 28 per cent more than the national screen average of cinemas showing Swallows and Amazons that weekend.

In Ambleside, Zeffirellis cinema has been screening the film four times a day. A special advance showing attended by Burneside schoolgirl Hannah Jayne Thorp, who plays Peggy Blackett, one of the feisty Amazon sailors, attracted the first of many full houses.

Hannah, 13, told the Gazette: "It went really well. It was good to have all my friends and family there, and on the first night of the film opening it was just an honour to introduce it.

"I gave a bit of a speech about how this means a lot to me and I'm really excited to show everyone what I've been working on.

"People said they really enjoyed it and the film opened their eyes to the natural beauty around."

Hannah, who will turn 14 shortly after the start of term at Queen Katherine School, Kendal, has been busy auditioning for new parts. She also travelled to the North East with mum Jayne and twin brothers Harry and Archie to watch the film with relatives at the Metro Centre, Gateshead, where she was amazed to be applauded by film goers, who recognised her distinctive hair.

"It was really strange because when I stood up the whole cinema stopped and it was kind of scary because everyone knew who I was."

Jayne, Hannah's mum, added: "She got mobbed outside by about 100 kids who wanted a photo, and adults as well. She was like a real star."

Jayne said that producer Nick Barton had sent a "wonderful email", to say that distributors Studiocanal were "overwhelmed" by the public response to the film.

Hannah told the Gazette: "It's been the best experience and I've obviously got a lot of memories from it, but it's just knowing that all the hard work can make such a beautiful film; that this is what effort brings you."